Refined Consequentialism The Moral Theory of Richard A. McCormick

«‘Refined Consequentialism: The Moral Theory of Richard A. McCormick’ makes a significant contribution to the literature focusing on contemporary debates within Roman Catholic moral theology over the proper way to determine whether human actions are morally good or not. The introductory chapter is concerned with the meaning of ‘consequentialism’ in contemporary ethical discussions, and the second traces the development of ‘proportionalism,’ which in reality turns out to be a form of ‘refined proportionalism,’ through such Catholic authors as Peter Knauer, Joseph Fuchs, Louis Janssens, and McCormick. The third chapter is a very patient and comprehensive account of McCormick’s own sophisticated version of proportionalism, making it clear that McCormick’s proportionalism is indeed a ‘refined consequentialism.’ The final two chapters provide, in my opinion, an excellent critique of McCormick’s proportionalism and his consequentialitic defense of intending so-called pre-moral or non-moral evil for the sake of a ‘proportionate’ good.» (William E. May, Michael J. McGivney Professor of Moral Theology, John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family. Washington, D.C.)