ABSTRACT

Originally published in 1986, this book explores the animating qualities of human character and moral thought and discusses how they place constraints on the adequacy of moral theories. It evaluates some of the major theories in the history of ethics, notably the moral thoughts of Sidgwick, Kant, Aristotle and Hume. The book examines questions of fundamental importance to all of us and broadens the scope and wisdom of analytical philosophy by conveying the excitement of original philosophical research.

chapter I|7 pages

What is Morality all About?

chapter II|19 pages

Sidgwick: The Direct View

chapter III|15 pages

Moral Virtues and the Direct View

chapter IV|9 pages

Aristotle: The Indirect View

chapter V|10 pages

Further Reflections on Acts and Agents

chapter VI|10 pages

Hume and the Indirect View

chapter VII|11 pages

The Dualism of Humean Virtues

chapter VIII|16 pages

Moral Points of View

chapter IX|8 pages

Reflections on the Nature of the Beast

chapter X|17 pages

Epilogue: Morality and Human Character