Morality and the Human Goods: An Introduction to Natural Law

Morality and the Human Goods: An Introduction to Natural Law Ethics
- Used Book in Good Condition
A concise and accessible introduction to natural law ethics, this book introduces readers to the mainstream tradition of Western moral philosophy. Building on philosophers from Plato through Aquinas to John Finnis, Alfonso GÃ³mez-Lobo links morality to the protection of basic human goodsâ€•life, family, friendship, work and play, the experience of beauty, knowledge, and integrityâ€•elements essential to a flourishing, happy human life.

GÃ³mez-Lobo begins with a discussion of Plato's Crito as an introduction to the practice of moral philosophy, showing that it requires that its participants treat each other as equals and offer rational arguments to persuade each other. He then puts forth a general principle for practical rationality: one should pursue what is good and avoid what is bad. The human goods form the basis for moral norms that provide a standard by which actions can be evaluated: do they support or harm the human goods? He argues that moral norms should be understood as a system of rules whose rationale is the protection and enhancement of human goods. A moral norm that does not enjoin the preservation or enhancement of a specific good is unjustifiable. Shifting to a case study approach, GÃ³mez-Lobo applies these principles to a discussion of abortion and euthanasia. The book ends with a brief treatment of rival positions, including utilitarianism and libertarianism, and of conscience as our ultimate moral guide.

Written as an introductory text for students of ethics and natural law, Morality and the Human Goods makes arguments consistent with Catholic teaching but is not based on theological considerations. The work falls squarely within the field of philosophical ethics and will be of interest to readers of any background.
Country USA
Brand Georgetown University Press
Manufacturer Georgetown University Press
Binding Paperback
ItemPartNumber black & white illustrations
Color Black
UnitCount 1
EANs 9780878408856
ReleaseDate 0000-00-00

Country	USA
Brand	Georgetown University Press
Manufacturer	Georgetown University Press
Binding	Paperback
ItemPartNumber	black & white illustrations
Color	Black
UnitCount	1
EANs	9780878408856
ReleaseDate	0000-00-00

Morality and the Human Goods: An Introduction to Natural Law Ethics

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