ABSTRACT

'The chief problem of human life', wrote Auguste Comte, 'is the subordination of egoism to altruism.' This collection examines the nature and value of altruism as a moral virtue, restoring it to its proper place at the centre of our moral and political thinking.

The first five essays in the collection explore the relationship between altruism and other moral concepts such as self-interest, autonomy, community and impartiality. The five essays in the second part show how altruism is invoked in practical moral problems, including aid to developing countries, the market for human body parts, multiculturalism and the politics of recognition, and medical ethics. Through these discussions, the central role of altruism in moral thinking is brought into sharper focus.

part 1|7 pages

The Ethics of Altruism: Introduction

chapter |1 pages

Notes

chapter 2|26 pages

Altruism, Impartiality and Moral Demands

chapter 3|16 pages

Gratitude, Contribution and Ethical Theory

part 5|1 pages

Between Egoism and Altruism: Outlines for a Materialist Conception of the Good

chapter |8 pages

Outline for a Materialist Ethics

chapter |2 pages

Notes

chapter 6|18 pages

Is There a Paradox of Altruism?

part 7|18 pages

‘Are They My Poor?’: The Problem of Altruism in a World of Strangers

chapter |4 pages

Notes

chapter |2 pages

Introduction

chapter |1 pages

Conclusion

chapter |2 pages

Notes

chapter |1 pages

References

chapter |1 pages

Introduction

chapter |6 pages

Coerced Altruism

chapter |2 pages

Conclusion

chapter |1 pages

Notes

chapter |2 pages

References

chapter 10|22 pages

Canaries in the Mines?

part 11|5 pages

The Right to Trade in Human Body Parts

chapter |1 pages

Notes

chapter |2 pages

References

chapter |6 pages

Abstracts

chapter |4 pages

Notes on Contributors