Synopses & Reviews
A volume of studies of utilitarianism considered both as a theory of personal morality and a theory of public choice. All but two of the papers have been commissioned especially for the volume, and between them they represent not only a wide range of arguments for and against utilitarianism but also a first-class selection of the most interesting and influential work in this very active area. There is also a substantial introduction by the two editors. The volume will constitute an important stimulus and point of reference for a wide range of philosophers, economists and social theorists.
Synopsis
All but two of the work's fourteen chapters on studies of utilitarianism, have been commissioned especially for this volume. It is considered both as a theory of personal morality as well as public choice.
Table of Contents
Preface; Introduction: utilitarianism and beyond Amartya Sen and Bernard Williams; 1. Ethical theory and utilitarianism R. M. Hare; 2. Morality and the theory of rational behaviour John C. Harsanyi; 3. The economic uses of utilitarianism J. A. Mirrlees; 4. Utilitarianism, uncertainty and information Peter J. Hammond; 5. Contractualism and utilitarianism T. M. Scanlon; 6. The diversity of goods Charles Taylor; 7. Morality and convention Stuart Hampshire; 8. Social unity and primary goods John Rawls; 9. On some difficulties of the utilitarian economist Frank Hahn; 10. Utilitarianism, information and rights Partha Dasgupta; 11. Sour grapes - utilitarianism and the genesis of wants Jon Elster; 12. Liberty and welfare Isaac Levi; 13. Under which descriptions? Frederic Schick; 14. What's the use of going to school? Amy Gutmann; Bibliography.