ABSTRACT
I have tried in the second half of Chapter IV to substantiate my view that although many people might assent to the ‘liberal’ view when it is stated in the abstract, far fewer would be prepared to agree with its implications in every single case.1 If this view is correct, then it is a fair question (and not a hypothetical one-the point has been put to me) whether there is any point in making a detailed analysis of want-regarding principles. If conclusions drawn from want-regarding principles are always liable to modification on ideal grounds should one not write them off?
