Utilitarianism, the great reforming philosophy of the nineteenth century, has today acquired the reputation for being a crassly calculating, impersonal philosophy unfit to serve as a guide to moral conduct. Yet what may disqualify utilitarianism as a personal philosophy makes it an eminently suitable guide for public officials in the pursuit of their professional responsibilities. Robert E. Goodin, a philosopher with many books on political theory, public policy and applied ethics to his credit, defends utilitarianism against its critics and shows how it can be applied most effectively over a wide range of public policies. In discussions of such issues as paternalism, social welfare policy, international ethics, nuclear armaments, and international responses to the environment crisis, he demonstrates what a flexible tool his brand of utilitarianism can be in confronting the dilemmas of public policy in the real world.

Goodin defends utilitarianism and shows how it can serve as an excellent guide to public policy makers.
Reviews
'... there is a great deal in this richly argued book for both moral philosophers and social scientists in general.' Roger Crisp, The Times Literary Supplement



Book Information
ISBN 9780521468060
Author Robert E. Goodin
Format Paperback
Page Count 368
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 504g
Dimensions(mm) 227mm * 152mm * 23mm