Utilitarianism: For and Against

J. J. C. Smart

ISBN 10: 052109822X / ISBN 13: 9780521098229

Published by Cambridge University Press, 1973

About this Item

1973. Paperback. Two essays on utilitarianism, written from opposite points of view, by J. J. C. Smart and Bernard Williams. Num Pages: 160 pages, bibliography. BIC Classification: HPQ. Category: (P) Professional & Vocational; (U) Tertiary Education (US: College). Dimension: 196 x 129 x 9. Weight in Grams: 162. For and Against. 155 pages, bibliography. Two essays on utilitarianism, written from opposite points of view, by J. J. C. Smart and Bernard Williams. Cateogry: (P) Professional & Vocational; (U) Tertiary Education (US: College). BIC Classification: HPQ. Dimension: 196 x 129 x 9. Weight: 166. . . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland.

Seller Inventory # V9780521098229

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Utilitarianism: For and Against
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 1973
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 052109822X
• ISBN 13: 9780521098229
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

Two essays on utilitarianism, written from opposite points of view, by J. J. C. Smart and Bernard Williams. In the first part of the book Professor Smart advocates a modern and sophisticated version of classical utilitarianism; he tries to formulate a consistent and persuasive elaboration of the doctrine that the rightness and wrongness of actions is determined solely by their consequences, and in particular their consequences for the sum total of human happiness. In Part II Bernard Williams offers a sustained and vigorous critique of utilitarian assumptions, arguments and ideals. He finds inadequate the theory of action implied by utilitarianism, and he argues that utilitarianism fails to engage at a serious level with the real problems of moral and political philosophy, and fails to make sense of notions such as integrity, or even human happiness itself. This book should be of interest to welfare economists, political scientists and decision-theorists.

From the Back Cover

In the first part of the book Professor Smart advocates a modern and sophisticated version of classical utilitarianism. Bernard Williams offers a sustained and vigorous critique of utilitarian assumptions, arguments and ideals.