Synopses & Reviews
This book provides the first study of early modern British philosophy in several decades.
Review
"This is a sophisticated book: an exemplary combination of philosophical acumen and original schoalrship....It will prompt historical and ethical dbate for along time, and it teaches all of us how to read classic texts." Terence Penelhum, Ethics"Darwall's book is far richer in both historical and philosophical insight than a review can easily indicate. It is required reading for anyone interested in its period and will be a stimulating education for anyone thinking about its issues." Nicholas L. Sturgeon, Jrnl of Philosophy"This is a valuable book that should prompt further studies of the British moralists in the years ahead." oliver A. Johnson, International Studies in Philosophy
Synopsis
This book is a major work in the history of ethics, and provides the first study of early modern British philosophy in several decades. It is the first attempt to trace the origins of the âoughtâin British philosophy of this period. What emerges is a tradition seeking (well before Kant) to understand the relation between the moral âoughtâand the autonomous will, in which the âoughtâsprings from the internal motives to be moral.
Table of Contents
1. The British moralists: inventing internalism; 2. Culverwell and Locke: classical and modern natural law; 3. Hobbes: ethics as âconsequences from the passions of menâ; 4. Cumberland: obligation naturalised; 5. Cudworth: obligation and self-determining moral agency; 6. Locke: autonomy and obligation in the revised Essay; 7. Shaftesbury: authority and authorship; 8. Huteson: moral sentiment and calm desire; 9. Butler: conscience as self-authorising; 10. Hume: norms and the obligation to be just; 11. Concluding reflections.