This book argues that the moral quality of an act comes from the agent's inner states. By arguing for the indispensable relevance of intention in the moral evaluation of acts, the book moves against a mainstream, 'objective' approach in normative ethics.
This book argues that the moral quality of an act comes from the agent's inner states. By arguing for the indispensable relevance of intention in the moral evaluation of acts, the book moves against a mainstream, 'objective' approach in normative ethics.
Anscombe sounded the trumpet concerning the ethical import of intention. In this fine, rewarding, readable, slender volume Craig White thoroughly and fruitfully engages with those who aspire to avoid consequentialism while denying intent's moral significance. White ably answers Anscombe's call to arms in this philosophically deep defense of increasingly uncommon common sense. Recalling Anscombe's admonition, one does well to read and learn from White's engaging treatment of this crucially important topic.
T. A. Cavanaugh, Professor of Philosophy, University of San Francisco, USA
Craig M. White has been a lecturer in the Department of Political Science at the University of Colorado Boulder, USA. He is the author of Iraq: The Moral Reckoning (2010). A former US diplomat, he served for 20 years in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
1. Introduction
2. Objectivity and the Objective Approach
3. A Case for Joining Deed and Doer
4. Alfred the Would-be Wife-Poisoner
5. The Fat Man Falling from the Sky
6. Russian Roulette Morality and Future Facts
7. Billiard Balls, People, and Causation
8. A Dialogue with a FOSOD Defender
9. How to Marry Deed and Doer