Ideal Code, Real World (Paperback)

Brad Hooker

ISBN 10: 0199256578 / ISBN 13: 9780199256570

Published by Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2002

About this Item

Paperback. What are appropriate criteria for assessing a theory of morality? In Ideal Code, Real World, Brad Hooker begins by answering this question, and then argues for a rule-consequentialist theory. According to rule-consequentialism, acts should be assessed morally in terms of impartially justified rules, and rules are impartially justified if and only if the expected overall value of their general internalization is at least as great as for any alternativerules. In the course of developing his rule-consequentialism, Hooker discusses impartiality, well-being, fairness, equality, the question of how the 'general internalization' of rules is to be interpreted byrule-consequentialism, and the main objections to rule-consequentialism. He also discusses the social contract theory of morality, act-consequentialism, and the question of which moral prohibitions and which duties to help others rule-consequentialism endorses. The last part of the book considers the implications of rule-consequentialism for some current controversies in practical ethics. A presentation of rule-consequentialism, an ethical theory of which Brad Hooker is a leading contemporary exponent. Hooker starts by establishing criteria for assessing a theory of morality. He then sets out his rule-consequentialism, discusses criticisms and rival theories, and considers implications of the theory for practical issues. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9780199256570

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Ideal Code, Real World (Paperback)
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, Oxford
• Publication Date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0199256578
• ISBN 13: 9780199256570
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

What are the appropriate criteria for assessing a theory of morality? In this enlightening work, Brad Hooker begins by answering this question. He then argues for a rule-consequentialist theory which, in part, asserts that acts should be assessed morally in terms of impartially justified rules. In the end, he considers the implications of rule-consequentialism for several current controversies in practical ethics, making this clearly written, engaging book the best overall statement of this approach to ethics.

About the Author

Brad Hooker is Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Reading.