The Foundations of Morality - 9780367498542

Taylor & Francis

Originally published in 1983, this book maintains that the content and character of morality can be understood if it is regarded as a useful societal tool, whose central purposes include the prevention of harm and promotion of security for members of society. > Originally published in 1983, this book maintains that the content and character of morality can be understood if it is regarded as a useful societal tool, whose central purposes include the prevention of harm and promotion of security for members of society. At the foundation is the general superiority of policies and attitudes that have good consequences. The book argues that ethics is \u2018cognitive\u2019 and explores the kinds of ethical knowledge and the ways in which ethical claims can be challenged and justified. > Part 1: Morality as We Know It 1. Morality as a System of Strong Demands 2. Morality as Law 3. Morality as Interpersonally Neutral Part 2: The Need for Ethical Theory 4. The Nature of Ethical Theory .