Anne Maclean

The Elimination of Morality

Reflections on Utilitarianism and Bioethics

• Broschiertes Buch

Produktbeschreibung

"The Elimination of Morality" poses a fundamental challenge to the dominant conception of medical ethics. In this controversial and timely study, Anne Maclean addresses the question of what kind of contribution philosophers can make to the discussion of medico-moral issues and the work of health care professionals. She establishes the futility of bioethics by challenging the conception of reason in ethics which is integral to the utilitarian tradition. She argues that a philosophical training confers no special authority to make pronouncements about moral issues, and proposes that pure utilitarianism eliminates the essential ingredients of moral thinking. Maclean also exposes the inadequacy of a utilitarian account of moral reasoning and moral life, dismissing the claim that reason demands the rejection of special obligations. She argues that the utilitarian drive to reduce rational moral judgment to a single form is ultimately destructive of moral judgment as such. This vital discussion of the nature of medical ethics and moral philosophy will be important reading for anyone interested in the fields of health care ethics and philosophy.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Taylor & Francis Ltd (Sales)
• Seitenzahl: 232
• Erscheinungstermin: 9. September 1993
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 213mm x 161mm x 18mm
• Gewicht: 322g
• ISBN-13: 9780415095389
• ISBN-10: 0415095387
• Artikelnr.: 22442504

Autorenporträt

Anne Maclean

Inhaltsangabe

Preface 1.Introduction: Utilitarianism and the New Sophistry 2.'Persons':
The Futility of Bioethics 3.People 4.REASON and Reasons 5.The Policy of
Maximising Lives 6.Plain Murder 7.The Value of Life 8.How to Ignore Moral
Thinking 9.Values, Preferences, and Fanaticism 10.Unmasking Medical Ethics
Notes Suggestions for Further Reading Index