"The Right and the Good" is a foundational masterpiece of twentieth-century moral philosophy, authored by the distinguished scholar W. D. Ross. This influential work presents a rigorous defense of ethical intuitionism and introduces the concept of prima facie duties, which remains a cornerstone of contemporary deontological ethics. Ross meticulously distinguishes between the concepts of "the right" and "the good," arguing that moral obligation is not solely determined by the production of good consequences.
Instead, Ross posits that human beings possess an intuitive grasp of self-evident moral principles, such as fidelity, reparation, gratitude, justice, beneficence, self-improvement, and non-maleficence. Through clear and systematic analysis, the work challenges the utilitarian and Kantian frameworks of its time, offering a pluralistic alternative that accounts for the complexity of moral life. The text explores the nature of moral properties, the relationship between rightness and motivation, and the objective reality of moral values.
"The Right and the Good" is essential reading for students and scholars of philosophy, providing profound insights into the nature of duty, virtue, and the foundations of ethical reasoning. Its enduring relevance lies in its ability to address the conflicting obligations of daily life with intellectual clarity and practical wisdom.
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