New Problems of Philosophy

Consequentialism is the view that the rightness or wrongness of actions depend largely on their consequences. It is one of the most influential, and controversial, of all ethical theories. In this book, Julia Driver introduces and critically assesses consequentialism in all its forms. After a brief historical introduction to the problem, Driver examines utilitarianism, and the arguments of its most famous exponents, John Stuart Mill and Jeremy Bentham, and explains the fundamental questions underlying utilitarian theory: what value is to be specified and how it is to be maximised. Driver also discusses indirect forms of consequentialism, the important theories of motive consequentialism and virtue consequentialism, and explains why the distinction between subjective and objective consequentialism is so important. An central feature of the book is also a comparison of consequentialism with other influential ethical theories, particularly virtue ethics and the role of character. Including helpful features such as glossary, chapter summaries, and annotated further reading at the end of each chapter, Consequentialismis ideal for students seeking an authoritative and clearly explained survey of this important problem.