Robert Merrihew Adams
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- January 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199207510
- eISBN:
- 9780191708824
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199207510.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind
This book offers a systematic, comprehensive framework for thinking about the moral evaluation of character. Many recent attempts to stake out a place in moral philosophy for this concern define ...
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This book offers a systematic, comprehensive framework for thinking about the moral evaluation of character. Many recent attempts to stake out a place in moral philosophy for this concern define virtue in terms of its benefits for the virtuous person or for human society more generally. Part One of this book presents and defends a conception of virtue as intrinsic excellence of character, worth prizing for its own sake and not only for its benefits. The other two parts address two challenges to the ancient idea of excellence of character. One challenge arises from the importance of altruism in modern ethical thought, and the question of what altruism has to do with intrinsic excellence. Part Two argues that altruistic benevolence has indeed a crucial place in excellence of character, but that moral virtue should also be expected to involve excellence in being for other goods besides the well-being (and the rights) of other persons. It explores relations among cultural goods, personal relationships, one's own good, and the good of others, as objects of excellent motives. The other challenge is typified by doubts about the reality of moral virtue, arising from experiments and conclusions in social psychology. Part Three of the book explores in detail the prospects for an empirically realistic conception of excellence of character as an object of moral aspiration, endeavour, and education. It argues that such a conception will involve renunciation of the ancient thesis of the unity or mutual implication of all virtues, and acknowledgement of sufficient ‘moral luck’ in the development of any individual's character to make virtue very largely a gift, rather than an individual achievement, though nonetheless excellent and admirable for that.Less
This book offers a systematic, comprehensive framework for thinking about the moral evaluation of character. Many recent attempts to stake out a place in moral philosophy for this concern define virtue in terms of its benefits for the virtuous person or for human society more generally. Part One of this book presents and defends a conception of virtue as intrinsic excellence of character, worth prizing for its own sake and not only for its benefits. The other two parts address two challenges to the ancient idea of excellence of character. One challenge arises from the importance of altruism in modern ethical thought, and the question of what altruism has to do with intrinsic excellence. Part Two argues that altruistic benevolence has indeed a crucial place in excellence of character, but that moral virtue should also be expected to involve excellence in being for other goods besides the well-being (and the rights) of other persons. It explores relations among cultural goods, personal relationships, one's own good, and the good of others, as objects of excellent motives. The other challenge is typified by doubts about the reality of moral virtue, arising from experiments and conclusions in social psychology. Part Three of the book explores in detail the prospects for an empirically realistic conception of excellence of character as an object of moral aspiration, endeavour, and education. It argues that such a conception will involve renunciation of the ancient thesis of the unity or mutual implication of all virtues, and acknowledgement of sufficient ‘moral luck’ in the development of any individual's character to make virtue very largely a gift, rather than an individual achievement, though nonetheless excellent and admirable for that.
Robert Merrihew Adams
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- January 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199207510
- eISBN:
- 9780191708824
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199207510.003.0002
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind
Virtue, comprehensively considered, is intrinsic excellence of persisting moral character, and excellence of moral character must be excellence in being for what is good. This chapter elaborates the ...
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Virtue, comprehensively considered, is intrinsic excellence of persisting moral character, and excellence of moral character must be excellence in being for what is good. This chapter elaborates the concepts of being forsomething, of the good that virtue is for, and of excellence. The concept of a particular virtue or excellent trait of moral character is distinguished from, and related to, the more comprehensive concept of virtue.Less
Virtue, comprehensively considered, is intrinsic excellence of persisting moral character, and excellence of moral character must be excellence in being for what is good. This chapter elaborates the concepts of being forsomething, of the good that virtue is for, and of excellence. The concept of a particular virtue or excellent trait of moral character is distinguished from, and related to, the more comprehensive concept of virtue.
Robert Merrihew Adams
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- January 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199207510
- eISBN:
- 9780191708824
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199207510.003.0004
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind
The principal current alternative to defining virtue in terms of its intrinsic excellence is defining it in terms of its benefits. This chapter argues that a trait's being generally beneficial is not ...
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The principal current alternative to defining virtue in terms of its intrinsic excellence is defining it in terms of its benefits. This chapter argues that a trait's being generally beneficial is not sufficient for it to be a virtue, and that its being more beneficial than any alternative may not even be necessary for a trait to be a virtue. In response to the question whether virtue ‘pays’, reliably benefiting its possessor, it is suggested that virtue may offer a great benefit that is inseparable from having a strong motive for conscientious and generous action.Less
The principal current alternative to defining virtue in terms of its intrinsic excellence is defining it in terms of its benefits. This chapter argues that a trait's being generally beneficial is not sufficient for it to be a virtue, and that its being more beneficial than any alternative may not even be necessary for a trait to be a virtue. In response to the question whether virtue ‘pays’, reliably benefiting its possessor, it is suggested that virtue may offer a great benefit that is inseparable from having a strong motive for conscientious and generous action.
Robert Merrihew Adams
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- January 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199207510
- eISBN:
- 9780191708824
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199207510.003.0005
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind
Finding an appropriate way of evaluating altruistic benevolence is a crucial test of a theory of virtue as a sort of intrinsic excellence. Some may think that altruism is sufficiently commended by ...
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Finding an appropriate way of evaluating altruistic benevolence is a crucial test of a theory of virtue as a sort of intrinsic excellence. Some may think that altruism is sufficiently commended by its social benefits without any thought of such excellence. Consideration of Nietzsche's critique of altruism leads, however, to an argument that it is morally important that altruism be intrinsically excellent. This is followed by an argument that altruism has indeed such excellence. Not that altruism must (or indeed should) be unmixed with other motives. Relations between altruism and self-sacrifice on the one hand, and agent-centered or self-regarding motives such as conscientiousness and self-respect on the other, are explored.Less
Finding an appropriate way of evaluating altruistic benevolence is a crucial test of a theory of virtue as a sort of intrinsic excellence. Some may think that altruism is sufficiently commended by its social benefits without any thought of such excellence. Consideration of Nietzsche's critique of altruism leads, however, to an argument that it is morally important that altruism be intrinsically excellent. This is followed by an argument that altruism has indeed such excellence. Not that altruism must (or indeed should) be unmixed with other motives. Relations between altruism and self-sacrifice on the one hand, and agent-centered or self-regarding motives such as conscientiousness and self-respect on the other, are explored.
Robert Merrihew Adams
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- January 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199207510
- eISBN:
- 9780191708824
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199207510.003.0009
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind
Psychological experiments and other empirical data seem to show that good traits of character (even if real) are frail, rather easily overcome by some types of temptation, and are dependent on social ...
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Psychological experiments and other empirical data seem to show that good traits of character (even if real) are frail, rather easily overcome by some types of temptation, and are dependent on social context and social support (and thus on ‘moral luck’) for their development, continuance, and behavioural manifestation. It is argued that excellence is not incompatible with fragility, and that the excellence of virtue is no less valuable for being in large part a gift rather than an individual achievement.Less
Psychological experiments and other empirical data seem to show that good traits of character (even if real) are frail, rather easily overcome by some types of temptation, and are dependent on social context and social support (and thus on ‘moral luck’) for their development, continuance, and behavioural manifestation. It is argued that excellence is not incompatible with fragility, and that the excellence of virtue is no less valuable for being in large part a gift rather than an individual achievement.
A. A. Long
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- January 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199279128
- eISBN:
- 9780191706769
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199279128.003.0017
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Ancient Philosophy
In urging himself and Lucilius to cultivate a ‘good mentality’ (bona mens), Seneca's principal point is that objective human excellence and authentic happiness depend intrinsically and essentially on ...
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In urging himself and Lucilius to cultivate a ‘good mentality’ (bona mens), Seneca's principal point is that objective human excellence and authentic happiness depend intrinsically and essentially on the state of one's mind, and only instrumentally and contingently on the health and condition of one's body. This division between mind and body involves the folk psychology recognized in everyday consciousness; and it is compatible with the strict physicalism endorsed both by Stoicism and by most modern theorists. Seneca, moreover, taps completely into the contemporary world when one moves from the academy into popular culture.Less
In urging himself and Lucilius to cultivate a ‘good mentality’ (bona mens), Seneca's principal point is that objective human excellence and authentic happiness depend intrinsically and essentially on the state of one's mind, and only instrumentally and contingently on the health and condition of one's body. This division between mind and body involves the folk psychology recognized in everyday consciousness; and it is compatible with the strict physicalism endorsed both by Stoicism and by most modern theorists. Seneca, moreover, taps completely into the contemporary world when one moves from the academy into popular culture.
David Wolfsdorf
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195327328
- eISBN:
- 9780199870646
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195327328.003.0003
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Ancient Greek, Roman, and Early Christian Philosophy
This argues for a strict identification of the putative parts of excellence with the knowledge of the good. Knowledge itself is identified with a kind of psychological power (dunamis), the good is ...
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This argues for a strict identification of the putative parts of excellence with the knowledge of the good. Knowledge itself is identified with a kind of psychological power (dunamis), the good is identified with form, and form is identified with order.Less
This argues for a strict identification of the putative parts of excellence with the knowledge of the good. Knowledge itself is identified with a kind of psychological power (dunamis), the good is identified with form, and form is identified with order.
Aaron Williamon (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780198525356
- eISBN:
- 9780191689345
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198525356.001.0001
- Subject:
- Psychology, Music Psychology
This book offers new perspectives and practical guidance for enhancing performance and managing the stress that typically accompanies performance situations. Specific recommendations are provided ...
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This book offers new perspectives and practical guidance for enhancing performance and managing the stress that typically accompanies performance situations. Specific recommendations are provided alongside comprehensive reviews of existing theory and research, enabling the practitioner to place the strategies and techniques within the broader context of human performance, and encouraging novel ways of conceptualizing music making and teaching. Part I sets out ground rules for achieving musical excellence. What roles do innate talent, environmental influences, and sheer hard work play in attaining eminence? How can musicians best manage the physical demands of a profession that is intrinsically arduous, throughout a career that can literally span a lifetime? How can performers, teachers, and researchers effectively assess and reflect on performance enhancement for themselves, their colleagues, and their students? Part II presents approaches for increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of practice. These are examined generally for the individual and ensembles and specifically for the tasks of memorizing, sight-reading, and improvising music. Musicians spend vast amounts of time and energy acquiring and refining their skills, but are there particular rehearsal strategies that they can employ to produce better performance results or to achieve the same results more quickly? What implication does existing knowledge of human information processing and physical functioning have for musical learning and practice? Part III introduces scientifically validated methods for enhancing musical achievement, ordered from the more physical to the psychological to the pharmacological; however, they all address issues of both mental and physical significance for the musician. Collectively, they stand as clear evidence that applied, cross-disciplinary research can facilitate musicians' strives for performance excellence.Less
This book offers new perspectives and practical guidance for enhancing performance and managing the stress that typically accompanies performance situations. Specific recommendations are provided alongside comprehensive reviews of existing theory and research, enabling the practitioner to place the strategies and techniques within the broader context of human performance, and encouraging novel ways of conceptualizing music making and teaching. Part I sets out ground rules for achieving musical excellence. What roles do innate talent, environmental influences, and sheer hard work play in attaining eminence? How can musicians best manage the physical demands of a profession that is intrinsically arduous, throughout a career that can literally span a lifetime? How can performers, teachers, and researchers effectively assess and reflect on performance enhancement for themselves, their colleagues, and their students? Part II presents approaches for increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of practice. These are examined generally for the individual and ensembles and specifically for the tasks of memorizing, sight-reading, and improvising music. Musicians spend vast amounts of time and energy acquiring and refining their skills, but are there particular rehearsal strategies that they can employ to produce better performance results or to achieve the same results more quickly? What implication does existing knowledge of human information processing and physical functioning have for musical learning and practice? Part III introduces scientifically validated methods for enhancing musical achievement, ordered from the more physical to the psychological to the pharmacological; however, they all address issues of both mental and physical significance for the musician. Collectively, they stand as clear evidence that applied, cross-disciplinary research can facilitate musicians' strives for performance excellence.
Simon Hornblower
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199249190
- eISBN:
- 9780191719424
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199249190.003.0003
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Literary Studies: Classical, Early, and Medieval
This chapter examines certain central, non-athletic themes and preoccupations of both Pindar and Thucydides. Topics covered include their use of the word hēsychia, Pindar and kingship theory, Pindar ...
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This chapter examines certain central, non-athletic themes and preoccupations of both Pindar and Thucydides. Topics covered include their use of the word hēsychia, Pindar and kingship theory, Pindar and Thucydides as amateurs of medicine, intelligence and inborn excellence, ambition, and political outlook.Less
This chapter examines certain central, non-athletic themes and preoccupations of both Pindar and Thucydides. Topics covered include their use of the word hēsychia, Pindar and kingship theory, Pindar and Thucydides as amateurs of medicine, intelligence and inborn excellence, ambition, and political outlook.
Stephen Davies
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199202423
- eISBN:
- 9780191708541
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199202423.003.0006
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Aesthetics
To be complete, theories that define art recursively in terms of some relation between present art and past art must provide an account of the first artworks, since these had no predecessors. The ...
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To be complete, theories that define art recursively in terms of some relation between present art and past art must provide an account of the first artworks, since these had no predecessors. The accounts that have been offered are largely unsuccessful. If first art can be identified as such by people who are unaware of the cultural context in which it was produced, this is likely to be because of the prominence it gives to aesthetic properties universally recognizable as such. Though art is not to be defined in terms of its aesthetic qualities, and contemporary art can eschew these altogether, it is probably an historical necessity that art begins with works that focus on achieving aesthetic excellence.Less
To be complete, theories that define art recursively in terms of some relation between present art and past art must provide an account of the first artworks, since these had no predecessors. The accounts that have been offered are largely unsuccessful. If first art can be identified as such by people who are unaware of the cultural context in which it was produced, this is likely to be because of the prominence it gives to aesthetic properties universally recognizable as such. Though art is not to be defined in terms of its aesthetic qualities, and contemporary art can eschew these altogether, it is probably an historical necessity that art begins with works that focus on achieving aesthetic excellence.
Henry Rosemont and Roger T. Ames
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- November 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780824832841
- eISBN:
- 9780824869953
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Hawai'i Press
- DOI:
- 10.21313/hawaii/9780824832841.003.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Religious Studies
This chapter presents a brief conversation between Confucius and Master Zeng that sets the theme for the Classic of Family Reverence and extols the virtue of family reverence in both its personal and ...
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This chapter presents a brief conversation between Confucius and Master Zeng that sets the theme for the Classic of Family Reverence and extols the virtue of family reverence in both its personal and sociopolitical dimensions. Confucius explains to Master Zeng how the former kings were able to use the model of their consummate excellence (de) and their vital way (dao) to bring the empire into accord (shun), and how the people on this account were able to attain harmony (he) and to live with each other as good neighbors. According to Confucius, it is family reverence (xiao) “that is the root of excellence, and whence education (jiao) itself is born,” and that xiao “begins in service to your parents, continues in service to your lord, and culminates in distinguishing yourself in the world.”Less
This chapter presents a brief conversation between Confucius and Master Zeng that sets the theme for the Classic of Family Reverence and extols the virtue of family reverence in both its personal and sociopolitical dimensions. Confucius explains to Master Zeng how the former kings were able to use the model of their consummate excellence (de) and their vital way (dao) to bring the empire into accord (shun), and how the people on this account were able to attain harmony (he) and to live with each other as good neighbors. According to Confucius, it is family reverence (xiao) “that is the root of excellence, and whence education (jiao) itself is born,” and that xiao “begins in service to your parents, continues in service to your lord, and culminates in distinguishing yourself in the world.”
Henry Rosemont and Roger T. Ames
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- November 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780824832841
- eISBN:
- 9780824869953
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Hawai'i Press
- DOI:
- 10.21313/hawaii/9780824832841.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, Religious Studies
In this chapter, Confucius and Master Zeng are talking about how family reverence links together the tripartite dimensions of the dao—that is, the intersection of the way of tian, the way of the ...
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In this chapter, Confucius and Master Zeng are talking about how family reverence links together the tripartite dimensions of the dao—that is, the intersection of the way of tian, the way of the earth, and the way of humankind. According to Confucius, “Family reverence is the constancy of the heavenly cycles, the appropriate responsiveness (yi) of the earth, and the proper conduct of the people.” He proceeds by saying that “The former kings saw that their teachings (jiao) were able to transform the people. Thus, setting their own example of magnanimity (boai) before the people, none of the people would neglect their parents; demonstrating excellence (de) and appropriateness (yi) in their own actions, the people were inspired to conduct themselves accordingly.” Confucius ends by citing a passage in the Book of Songs which says, “Illustrious Grand Tutor Yin, the people all look up to you.”Less
In this chapter, Confucius and Master Zeng are talking about how family reverence links together the tripartite dimensions of the dao—that is, the intersection of the way of tian, the way of the earth, and the way of humankind. According to Confucius, “Family reverence is the constancy of the heavenly cycles, the appropriate responsiveness (yi) of the earth, and the proper conduct of the people.” He proceeds by saying that “The former kings saw that their teachings (jiao) were able to transform the people. Thus, setting their own example of magnanimity (boai) before the people, none of the people would neglect their parents; demonstrating excellence (de) and appropriateness (yi) in their own actions, the people were inspired to conduct themselves accordingly.” Confucius ends by citing a passage in the Book of Songs which says, “Illustrious Grand Tutor Yin, the people all look up to you.”
Robert Faulkner
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- October 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780300123937
- eISBN:
- 9780300150278
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300123937.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Political Philosophy
This book examines political ambition, good and bad, paying particular attention to honorable ambition. The book contends that too many modern accounts of leadership slight such things as ...
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This book examines political ambition, good and bad, paying particular attention to honorable ambition. The book contends that too many modern accounts of leadership slight such things as determination to excel, good judgment, justice, and a sense of honor—the very qualities that distinguish the truly great. And here it offers an attempt to recover “a reasonable understanding of excellence,” that which distinguishes a Franklin D. Roosevelt and a Lincoln from lesser leaders. The book finds the most telling diagnoses in antiquity and examines closely Aristotle's great-souled man, two accounts of the spectacular and dubious Athenian politician Alcibiades, and the life of the imperial conqueror Cyrus the Great. There results a complex and compelling picture of greatness and its problems. The book dissects military and imperial ambition, the art of leadership, and, in the later example of George Washington, ambition in the service of popular self-government. It also addresses modern indictments of even the best forms of political greatness, whether in the critical thinking of Hobbes, the idealism of Kant, the relativism and brutalism of Nietzsche, or the egalitarianism of Rawls and Arendt. It shows how modern philosophy came to doubt and indeed disdain even the best forms of ambition.Less
This book examines political ambition, good and bad, paying particular attention to honorable ambition. The book contends that too many modern accounts of leadership slight such things as determination to excel, good judgment, justice, and a sense of honor—the very qualities that distinguish the truly great. And here it offers an attempt to recover “a reasonable understanding of excellence,” that which distinguishes a Franklin D. Roosevelt and a Lincoln from lesser leaders. The book finds the most telling diagnoses in antiquity and examines closely Aristotle's great-souled man, two accounts of the spectacular and dubious Athenian politician Alcibiades, and the life of the imperial conqueror Cyrus the Great. There results a complex and compelling picture of greatness and its problems. The book dissects military and imperial ambition, the art of leadership, and, in the later example of George Washington, ambition in the service of popular self-government. It also addresses modern indictments of even the best forms of political greatness, whether in the critical thinking of Hobbes, the idealism of Kant, the relativism and brutalism of Nietzsche, or the egalitarianism of Rawls and Arendt. It shows how modern philosophy came to doubt and indeed disdain even the best forms of ambition.
Marcelle Maistre Welch and Vivien Bosley
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- February 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780226676531
- eISBN:
- 9780226676555
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226676555.003.0002
- Subject:
- Literature, Women's Literature
The story of translating François Poullain de la Barre into English is not long, although it is not without its complexities. This is perhaps the first time that On the Education of Ladies and On the ...
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The story of translating François Poullain de la Barre into English is not long, although it is not without its complexities. This is perhaps the first time that On the Education of Ladies and On the Excellence of Men have been translated into English, acknowledging that they are actually the work of their author. Parts of all three of Poullain's treatises were published anonymously as the Sophia pamphlets in 1739. The publication of these was proof that Poullain's works—although not Poullain himself—had remained buried somewhere in the consciousness of English readers. The seeds had been sown there some sixty years earlier when The Woman as Good as the Man, a translation of De l'Egalité des deux sexes, was published in 1677 by Nathaniel Brooks. Madeleine Alcover has made a detailed study of the various editions of the French texts of Poullain de la Barre's works; her assessment of their relative merits is invaluable.Less
The story of translating François Poullain de la Barre into English is not long, although it is not without its complexities. This is perhaps the first time that On the Education of Ladies and On the Excellence of Men have been translated into English, acknowledging that they are actually the work of their author. Parts of all three of Poullain's treatises were published anonymously as the Sophia pamphlets in 1739. The publication of these was proof that Poullain's works—although not Poullain himself—had remained buried somewhere in the consciousness of English readers. The seeds had been sown there some sixty years earlier when The Woman as Good as the Man, a translation of De l'Egalité des deux sexes, was published in 1677 by Nathaniel Brooks. Madeleine Alcover has made a detailed study of the various editions of the French texts of Poullain de la Barre's works; her assessment of their relative merits is invaluable.
Peter Littlejohns, Kalipso Chalkidou, Jeremy Wyatt, and Steven D Pearson
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199563623
- eISBN:
- 9780191722554
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199563623.003.022
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is the independent organization responsible for providing national guidance on promoting good health, and preventing and treating ill ...
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The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is the independent organization responsible for providing national guidance on promoting good health, and preventing and treating ill health in England and Wales. It was established as a special health authority in 1999 to offer National Health Service (NHS) healthcare professionals guidance on how to provide their patients with the highest attainable standards of care and to reduce variation in the quality of care. In 2005, its remit was expanded to include health promotion and disease prevention. This chapter describes the deliberations that have led to the adoption, by NICE, of a set of generic principles, consistent across all its programmes, to govern the processes of assessing evidence and classifying recommendations. These principles reinforce the importance of basing decision making on good quality meta-analyses and reviews of studies designed to minimize systematic error. They also hold that, whatever the hierarchy or typology used to assess evidence, it should not be the sole factor driving the decision making process; and the evidence ‘rank’ should be considered separately from the strength of the recommendation(s) it supports.Less
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is the independent organization responsible for providing national guidance on promoting good health, and preventing and treating ill health in England and Wales. It was established as a special health authority in 1999 to offer National Health Service (NHS) healthcare professionals guidance on how to provide their patients with the highest attainable standards of care and to reduce variation in the quality of care. In 2005, its remit was expanded to include health promotion and disease prevention. This chapter describes the deliberations that have led to the adoption, by NICE, of a set of generic principles, consistent across all its programmes, to govern the processes of assessing evidence and classifying recommendations. These principles reinforce the importance of basing decision making on good quality meta-analyses and reviews of studies designed to minimize systematic error. They also hold that, whatever the hierarchy or typology used to assess evidence, it should not be the sole factor driving the decision making process; and the evidence ‘rank’ should be considered separately from the strength of the recommendation(s) it supports.
Nick Doyle
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199563623
- eISBN:
- 9780191722554
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199563623.003.023
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) took on responsibility for producing public health guidance relatively recently. This means that it has had to accommodate a new ...
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The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) took on responsibility for producing public health guidance relatively recently. This means that it has had to accommodate a new perspective as well as values associated with public health, which differ in significant ways from those it applies to the production of clinical guidance. This chapter examines how well these sets of values have been integrated, and some of the as yet unresolved dilemmas and tensions. It first discusses the ethical or social value, considerations affecting NICE guidance of all kinds, and their relationship to the specific set of social value principles which NICE has published as formal advice to the advisory bodies that make NICE guidance recommendations. It then considers how well the social value principles established to date cover the particular ethical questions that arise in public health. It highlights gaps and uncertainties, looking in particular at the issue of health inequalities, and using the ethical framework provided by the ‘stewardship model’ as a reference point. The chapter concludes by looking at NICE's use of equality impact assessment as a means of meeting the public sector duties on eliminating discrimination and promoting equality, and the potential for the ‘capabilities’ approach to provide a supportive framework for NICE guidance recommendations concerned with inequality.Less
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) took on responsibility for producing public health guidance relatively recently. This means that it has had to accommodate a new perspective as well as values associated with public health, which differ in significant ways from those it applies to the production of clinical guidance. This chapter examines how well these sets of values have been integrated, and some of the as yet unresolved dilemmas and tensions. It first discusses the ethical or social value, considerations affecting NICE guidance of all kinds, and their relationship to the specific set of social value principles which NICE has published as formal advice to the advisory bodies that make NICE guidance recommendations. It then considers how well the social value principles established to date cover the particular ethical questions that arise in public health. It highlights gaps and uncertainties, looking in particular at the issue of health inequalities, and using the ethical framework provided by the ‘stewardship model’ as a reference point. The chapter concludes by looking at NICE's use of equality impact assessment as a means of meeting the public sector duties on eliminating discrimination and promoting equality, and the potential for the ‘capabilities’ approach to provide a supportive framework for NICE guidance recommendations concerned with inequality.
Catherine Swann, Lesley Owen, Chris Carmona, Michael P Kelly, Clare Wohlgemuth, and Jane Huntley
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199563623
- eISBN:
- 9780191722554
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199563623.003.024
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
In 2005, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) was asked by the Department of Health to develop guidance on the effectiveness of different approaches and models aimed at ...
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In 2005, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) was asked by the Department of Health to develop guidance on the effectiveness of different approaches and models aimed at changing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour, at individual, community and population level. This was in the context of the Government's national strategy — Choosing Health — that emphasized the role and responsibility of individuals in making healthier choices, within a supportive environment, across different sectors of society. This chapter describes the theories used to provide the conceptual framework for the development of the guidance, sets out the guidance development process, discusses the range and nature of evidence considered, and outlines the areas covered by the recommendations.Less
In 2005, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) was asked by the Department of Health to develop guidance on the effectiveness of different approaches and models aimed at changing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour, at individual, community and population level. This was in the context of the Government's national strategy — Choosing Health — that emphasized the role and responsibility of individuals in making healthier choices, within a supportive environment, across different sectors of society. This chapter describes the theories used to provide the conceptual framework for the development of the guidance, sets out the guidance development process, discusses the range and nature of evidence considered, and outlines the areas covered by the recommendations.
Amanda Killoran, Antony Morgan, and Jagroo James
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199563623
- eISBN:
- 9780191722554
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199563623.003.025
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
This chapter summarizes the recommendations made by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to raise standards in the programmes and activities used to promote the social and ...
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This chapter summarizes the recommendations made by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to raise standards in the programmes and activities used to promote the social and emotional wellbeing of children, specifically in relation to primary education. In doing so it highlights: the role of conceptual frameworks in defining emotional and social wellbeing and the rationale for interventions; the principles used by NICE for development of standards and guidance (taking account of the underdeveloped nature of the evidence); and issues for research, policy, and practice, to ensure effective investments in improving the social and emotional wellbeing of children.Less
This chapter summarizes the recommendations made by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to raise standards in the programmes and activities used to promote the social and emotional wellbeing of children, specifically in relation to primary education. In doing so it highlights: the role of conceptual frameworks in defining emotional and social wellbeing and the rationale for interventions; the principles used by NICE for development of standards and guidance (taking account of the underdeveloped nature of the evidence); and issues for research, policy, and practice, to ensure effective investments in improving the social and emotional wellbeing of children.
Hugo Crombie, Amanda Killoran, and Bhash Naidoo
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199563623
- eISBN:
- 9780191722554
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199563623.003.026
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
This chapter discusses the development of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) public health guidance on physical activity and the environment. The guidance was aimed at ...
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This chapter discusses the development of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) public health guidance on physical activity and the environment. The guidance was aimed at professionals whose activities within the National Health Service (NHS), local authorities, and the wider public, private, voluntary, and community sectors, could impact on the public's physical activity levels. Such actions would help increase levels of physical activity among local communities, to meet the physical activity recommendations of the Chief Medical Officer of England. The chapter first sets out the context in England for the development of guidance (low levels of physical activity and policy targets for improvements). It then documents the principal NICE processes and methods involved in the development of the guidance: establishing a conceptual framework, identifying and synthesis of the best available evidence, developing and testing of recommendations, and facilitating implementation of the guidance. The lessons and implications are then considered.Less
This chapter discusses the development of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) public health guidance on physical activity and the environment. The guidance was aimed at professionals whose activities within the National Health Service (NHS), local authorities, and the wider public, private, voluntary, and community sectors, could impact on the public's physical activity levels. Such actions would help increase levels of physical activity among local communities, to meet the physical activity recommendations of the Chief Medical Officer of England. The chapter first sets out the context in England for the development of guidance (low levels of physical activity and policy targets for improvements). It then documents the principal NICE processes and methods involved in the development of the guidance: establishing a conceptual framework, identifying and synthesis of the best available evidence, developing and testing of recommendations, and facilitating implementation of the guidance. The lessons and implications are then considered.
David Barnett,, Andrew Stevens,, Meindert Boysen,, and Carole Longson
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199563623
- eISBN:
- 9780191722554
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199563623.003.027
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) approach to appraisal of health care technologies was established in 1999 on the basis of three guiding principles: to provide ...
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The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) approach to appraisal of health care technologies was established in 1999 on the basis of three guiding principles: to provide guidance and standards to the National Health Service (NHS) based on clinical and cost-effectiveness of methods of treating ill health; to resolve uncertainty amongst both health care professionals and patients regarding the best approach to therapy; and consequently, to minimize inappropriate variation in clinical practice. The recipients of NICE guidance are primarily clinical professionals, commissioners of health care as well as the patients and carers that use the NHS. However, the ‘audience’ for NICE guidance also includes the manufacturers, the media, politicians, the general public, and the international community. This chapter provides an overview of the processes and methods used to appraise health care technologies, typically a new drug. It illustrates the appraisal of cost-effectiveness of health technologies using the ‘reference case’. It then highlights the role of ethical, legal, media, and political influences on the development of health technologies guidance.Less
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) approach to appraisal of health care technologies was established in 1999 on the basis of three guiding principles: to provide guidance and standards to the National Health Service (NHS) based on clinical and cost-effectiveness of methods of treating ill health; to resolve uncertainty amongst both health care professionals and patients regarding the best approach to therapy; and consequently, to minimize inappropriate variation in clinical practice. The recipients of NICE guidance are primarily clinical professionals, commissioners of health care as well as the patients and carers that use the NHS. However, the ‘audience’ for NICE guidance also includes the manufacturers, the media, politicians, the general public, and the international community. This chapter provides an overview of the processes and methods used to appraise health care technologies, typically a new drug. It illustrates the appraisal of cost-effectiveness of health technologies using the ‘reference case’. It then highlights the role of ethical, legal, media, and political influences on the development of health technologies guidance.
