Eleonore Stump
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199277421
- eISBN:
- 9780191594298
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199277421.003.0013
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion
This chapter uses the narratives in the preceding chapters as well as the worldview of Aquinas outlined in earlier chapters to present Aquinas's theodicy. Taken in the context of the biblical ...
More
This chapter uses the narratives in the preceding chapters as well as the worldview of Aquinas outlined in earlier chapters to present Aquinas's theodicy. Taken in the context of the biblical narratives and encompassed in Aquinas's whole worldview but especially his account of love, Aquinas's theodicy is the heart of the defence promised at the outset of the book. On Aquinas's theodicy, God is justified in allowing the suffering of a mentally fully functional adult human person by one or the other or both of two possible benefits, where Aquinas's scale of value is the measure of the benefits. For a person whose suffering is entirely involuntary, suffering is defeated in virtue of its contributing to warding off a greater harm for her. For a person whose suffering is involuntary only in a certain respect, suffering is defeated in virtue of its contributing to providing a greater good for her. The chapter concludes with an argument that Aquinas's theodicy is incomplete as it stands and in need of further development.Less
This chapter uses the narratives in the preceding chapters as well as the worldview of Aquinas outlined in earlier chapters to present Aquinas's theodicy. Taken in the context of the biblical narratives and encompassed in Aquinas's whole worldview but especially his account of love, Aquinas's theodicy is the heart of the defence promised at the outset of the book. On Aquinas's theodicy, God is justified in allowing the suffering of a mentally fully functional adult human person by one or the other or both of two possible benefits, where Aquinas's scale of value is the measure of the benefits. For a person whose suffering is entirely involuntary, suffering is defeated in virtue of its contributing to warding off a greater harm for her. For a person whose suffering is involuntary only in a certain respect, suffering is defeated in virtue of its contributing to providing a greater good for her. The chapter concludes with an argument that Aquinas's theodicy is incomplete as it stands and in need of further development.
Mary L. Hirschfeld
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199739813
- eISBN:
- 9780199866120
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199739813.003.0008
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This chapter examines the fundamental hypothesis of the True Wealth of Nations project—that the economic and cultural criteria identified in the tradition of Catholic social thought provide an ...
More
This chapter examines the fundamental hypothesis of the True Wealth of Nations project—that the economic and cultural criteria identified in the tradition of Catholic social thought provide an effective path to sustainable prosperity for all—from a Thomistic perspective. After pointing out some key features of Thomas's theological framework and contrasting it with the modern day more secular perspective, it focuses on three issues. First, it discusses how Thomas understood the end of this-worldly (earthly) human flourishing in relationship to our final end, which for Thomas lies in the beatific vision. Second, turning to the question of how prosperity is understood, it discusses Thomas's understanding of the relationship between material well-being and virtue, which Thomas identifies with human flourishing. Third, it examines Thomas's understanding of material well-being in itself. The chapter concludes with an assessment of the degree to which we could or should incorporate Thomas' s perspective.Less
This chapter examines the fundamental hypothesis of the True Wealth of Nations project—that the economic and cultural criteria identified in the tradition of Catholic social thought provide an effective path to sustainable prosperity for all—from a Thomistic perspective. After pointing out some key features of Thomas's theological framework and contrasting it with the modern day more secular perspective, it focuses on three issues. First, it discusses how Thomas understood the end of this-worldly (earthly) human flourishing in relationship to our final end, which for Thomas lies in the beatific vision. Second, turning to the question of how prosperity is understood, it discusses Thomas's understanding of the relationship between material well-being and virtue, which Thomas identifies with human flourishing. Third, it examines Thomas's understanding of material well-being in itself. The chapter concludes with an assessment of the degree to which we could or should incorporate Thomas' s perspective.
Thomas E. Hill
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199252633
- eISBN:
- 9780191597695
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199252637.003.0007
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
Reviews the role of happiness in Kant's moral and political philosophy and contrasts his ideas of happiness with ideas of human flourishing prominent in ancient philosophy. It considers possible ...
More
Reviews the role of happiness in Kant's moral and political philosophy and contrasts his ideas of happiness with ideas of human flourishing prominent in ancient philosophy. It considers possible reasons why Kant avoided the latter and worked instead with more subjective conceptions of happiness. This was apparently due not merely to historical influences or misunderstanding of ancient ethics but also to Kant's respect for the moral freedom of individuals to choose, within limits, the way of life they prefer. Kant's understanding of happiness affects his ideas of intrinsic value, prudence, beneficence, and the aim of government. Michael Slote's charge that Kantian ethics requires us to devalue our own happiness relative to others’ arguably rests on a flawed analogy between beneficence to others and promoting one's own happiness.Less
Reviews the role of happiness in Kant's moral and political philosophy and contrasts his ideas of happiness with ideas of human flourishing prominent in ancient philosophy. It considers possible reasons why Kant avoided the latter and worked instead with more subjective conceptions of happiness. This was apparently due not merely to historical influences or misunderstanding of ancient ethics but also to Kant's respect for the moral freedom of individuals to choose, within limits, the way of life they prefer. Kant's understanding of happiness affects his ideas of intrinsic value, prudence, beneficence, and the aim of government. Michael Slote's charge that Kantian ethics requires us to devalue our own happiness relative to others’ arguably rests on a flawed analogy between beneficence to others and promoting one's own happiness.
Frank Lovett
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199579419
- eISBN:
- 9780191722837
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199579419.003.0005
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
The various connections between freedom from domination and human flourishing are shown to account for the wrongness of domination. Benevolent and consensual dominations are shown not to detract from ...
More
The various connections between freedom from domination and human flourishing are shown to account for the wrongness of domination. Benevolent and consensual dominations are shown not to detract from the general claim that freedom from domination is an important good. The limited significance of the claim from Hegel and others that domination will be self‐defeating is discussed.Less
The various connections between freedom from domination and human flourishing are shown to account for the wrongness of domination. Benevolent and consensual dominations are shown not to detract from the general claim that freedom from domination is an important good. The limited significance of the claim from Hegel and others that domination will be self‐defeating is discussed.
C. Stephen Evans
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- January 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780199272174
- eISBN:
- 9780191602061
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199272174.003.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Philosophy of Religion
Moral obligations are overriding and objective, in a way that other kinds of obligations are not. A divine command theory of moral obligations claims that all truly moral obligations owe their status ...
More
Moral obligations are overriding and objective, in a way that other kinds of obligations are not. A divine command theory of moral obligations claims that all truly moral obligations owe their status as moral duties to the fact that God commands them. God’s commands, however, are not arbitrary; instead, God’s command is a call to human flourishing and happiness. Kierkegaard answers the question posed in the Euthyphro by importing a Kantian dimension to an Aristotelian framework; he can do so only because he sees the self as spiritually and morally qualified. The two chief passions that are crucial to the formation of the self that God intends one to be are faith and love.Less
Moral obligations are overriding and objective, in a way that other kinds of obligations are not. A divine command theory of moral obligations claims that all truly moral obligations owe their status as moral duties to the fact that God commands them. God’s commands, however, are not arbitrary; instead, God’s command is a call to human flourishing and happiness. Kierkegaard answers the question posed in the Euthyphro by importing a Kantian dimension to an Aristotelian framework; he can do so only because he sees the self as spiritually and morally qualified. The two chief passions that are crucial to the formation of the self that God intends one to be are faith and love.
Gilbert Harman
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198238041
- eISBN:
- 9780191597626
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198238045.003.0009
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
Problems are raised for attempts to derive at least some of morality from a conception of human flourishing and those character traits or virtues that would contribute to human flourishing.
Problems are raised for attempts to derive at least some of morality from a conception of human flourishing and those character traits or virtues that would contribute to human flourishing.
C. Stephen Evans
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- January 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780199272174
- eISBN:
- 9780191602061
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199272174.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Philosophy of Religion
Kierkegaard presents a form of divine command theory of moral obligation similar to accounts developed by Robert Adams and Philip Quinn. The account understands the relation humans have with a loving ...
More
Kierkegaard presents a form of divine command theory of moral obligation similar to accounts developed by Robert Adams and Philip Quinn. The account understands the relation humans have with a loving God as making possible the greatest human good, and as creating those unique obligations we designate as moral. God’s commands should be obeyed, not because of fear of divine punishment, but out of love and gratitude for the good that God has bestowed on humanity. Though God can and does address specific individuals, the fundamental divine command is the injunction – common to Judaism and Christianity – to love one’s neighbour as oneself. God’s commands are not arbitrary; they are directed at human flourishing and lead to genuine happiness, even though obedience to them requires self-denial and is not egoistically motivated. This Kierkegaardian ethic, found principally in Works of Love, has advantages over its contemporary secular rivals, such as evolutionary naturalism, social contract theories, and moral relativism. Additionally, this form of divine command theory resists the fundamental objections often posed against a religiously grounded ethic.Less
Kierkegaard presents a form of divine command theory of moral obligation similar to accounts developed by Robert Adams and Philip Quinn. The account understands the relation humans have with a loving God as making possible the greatest human good, and as creating those unique obligations we designate as moral. God’s commands should be obeyed, not because of fear of divine punishment, but out of love and gratitude for the good that God has bestowed on humanity. Though God can and does address specific individuals, the fundamental divine command is the injunction – common to Judaism and Christianity – to love one’s neighbour as oneself. God’s commands are not arbitrary; they are directed at human flourishing and lead to genuine happiness, even though obedience to them requires self-denial and is not egoistically motivated. This Kierkegaardian ethic, found principally in Works of Love, has advantages over its contemporary secular rivals, such as evolutionary naturalism, social contract theories, and moral relativism. Additionally, this form of divine command theory resists the fundamental objections often posed against a religiously grounded ethic.
Jennifer Prah Ruger
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199559978
- eISBN:
- 9780191721489
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199559978.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Public and Welfare
Envision a society in which all people have the ability to achieve the central health capabilities of avoiding premature death and escapable morbidity, and where everyone has comprehensive health ...
More
Envision a society in which all people have the ability to achieve the central health capabilities of avoiding premature death and escapable morbidity, and where everyone has comprehensive health insurance and access to high‐quality health care. This vision is the animating principle behind the health capability paradigm, a unique new approach where not just health care, or the right to health alone, but health and the capability for health itself are moral imperatives. Ruger has been developing this health capability paradigm for over 15 years. Her innovative approach bridges the gaps at the interdisciplinary intersection of ethics, economics, political science, law and human rights, with practical and theoretical applications for the financing and delivery of health care and public health. The health capability paradigm provides philosophical justification for the direct moral importance of health, health capability, and the right to health, as well as a theoretical basis for prioritizing needs and allocating resources. There are no guarantees of good health, but society can, if it will, design and build effective institutions and social systems, structures and practices, that support all citizens in the pursuit of central health capabilities. Key tenets of this theory, which emphasizes responsibility and choice for health, include health agency, shared health governance, incompletely theorized agreements, internalized public moral norms to guide social choice and collective action, and a joint scientific and deliberative approach to decision-making that incorporates medical necessity, medical appropriateness, and shortfall equality. This paradigm integrates both proceduralist and consequentialist approaches to justice, and emphasizes the critical roles of both moral and political legitimacy. We can no longer afford to ignore human suffering. This book weaves together a number of disparate constructs and original insights to produce a foundational new framework for thinking about and taking action to achieve health and social justice— the health capability paradigm.Less
Envision a society in which all people have the ability to achieve the central health capabilities of avoiding premature death and escapable morbidity, and where everyone has comprehensive health insurance and access to high‐quality health care. This vision is the animating principle behind the health capability paradigm, a unique new approach where not just health care, or the right to health alone, but health and the capability for health itself are moral imperatives. Ruger has been developing this health capability paradigm for over 15 years. Her innovative approach bridges the gaps at the interdisciplinary intersection of ethics, economics, political science, law and human rights, with practical and theoretical applications for the financing and delivery of health care and public health. The health capability paradigm provides philosophical justification for the direct moral importance of health, health capability, and the right to health, as well as a theoretical basis for prioritizing needs and allocating resources. There are no guarantees of good health, but society can, if it will, design and build effective institutions and social systems, structures and practices, that support all citizens in the pursuit of central health capabilities. Key tenets of this theory, which emphasizes responsibility and choice for health, include health agency, shared health governance, incompletely theorized agreements, internalized public moral norms to guide social choice and collective action, and a joint scientific and deliberative approach to decision-making that incorporates medical necessity, medical appropriateness, and shortfall equality. This paradigm integrates both proceduralist and consequentialist approaches to justice, and emphasizes the critical roles of both moral and political legitimacy. We can no longer afford to ignore human suffering. This book weaves together a number of disparate constructs and original insights to produce a foundational new framework for thinking about and taking action to achieve health and social justice— the health capability paradigm.
John Barry
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199695393
- eISBN:
- 9780191738982
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199695393.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Environmental Politics
Going against both the naive techno-optimist of ‘greening business as usual’ and a resurgent ‘catastrophism’ within green thinking and politics, The Politics of Actually Existing Unsustainability ...
More
Going against both the naive techno-optimist of ‘greening business as usual’ and a resurgent ‘catastrophism’ within green thinking and politics, The Politics of Actually Existing Unsustainability offers an analysis of the causes of unsustainability and diminished human flourishing. The books locates the causes of unsustainability in dominant capitalist modes of production, debt-based consumer culture, the imperative for orthodox economic growth and the dominant ideology of neoclassical economics. It suggests that valuable insights into the causes of and alternatives to unsustainability can be found in a critical embracing of human vulnerability and dependency as both constitutive and ineliminable aspects of what it means to be human. The book defends resilience, the ability to ‘cope with’ rather than somehow ‘solve’ vulnerability. The book offers a trenchant critique of the dominant neoclassical economic ‘groupthink’, viewing it not as some value-neutral form of ‘expert knowledge’, but as a thoroughly ideological ‘common sense’. Outlining a green political economic alternative replacing economic growth with economic security, it argues economic growth has done its work in the minority, affluent world, which should now focus on improving human flourishing, lowering socio-economic equality and fostering solidarity as part of a new re-orientation of public policy. Complementing this, a, ‘green republicanism’ is developed as an innovative and original contribution to contemporary debates on a ‘post-growth’ economy and society. The Politics of Actually Existing Unsustainability draws widely from a range of disciplines and thinkers, from cultural critic Susan Sontag to the critical theory of the Frankfurt School, contemporary debates in green political thinking, and the latest thinking in heterodox and green economics, to produce a highly relevant, timely, and provocatively original statement on the human predicament in the twenty-first century.Less
Going against both the naive techno-optimist of ‘greening business as usual’ and a resurgent ‘catastrophism’ within green thinking and politics, The Politics of Actually Existing Unsustainability offers an analysis of the causes of unsustainability and diminished human flourishing. The books locates the causes of unsustainability in dominant capitalist modes of production, debt-based consumer culture, the imperative for orthodox economic growth and the dominant ideology of neoclassical economics. It suggests that valuable insights into the causes of and alternatives to unsustainability can be found in a critical embracing of human vulnerability and dependency as both constitutive and ineliminable aspects of what it means to be human. The book defends resilience, the ability to ‘cope with’ rather than somehow ‘solve’ vulnerability. The book offers a trenchant critique of the dominant neoclassical economic ‘groupthink’, viewing it not as some value-neutral form of ‘expert knowledge’, but as a thoroughly ideological ‘common sense’. Outlining a green political economic alternative replacing economic growth with economic security, it argues economic growth has done its work in the minority, affluent world, which should now focus on improving human flourishing, lowering socio-economic equality and fostering solidarity as part of a new re-orientation of public policy. Complementing this, a, ‘green republicanism’ is developed as an innovative and original contribution to contemporary debates on a ‘post-growth’ economy and society. The Politics of Actually Existing Unsustainability draws widely from a range of disciplines and thinkers, from cultural critic Susan Sontag to the critical theory of the Frankfurt School, contemporary debates in green political thinking, and the latest thinking in heterodox and green economics, to produce a highly relevant, timely, and provocatively original statement on the human predicament in the twenty-first century.
Jennifer Prah Ruger
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199559978
- eISBN:
- 9780191721489
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199559978.003.0003
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Public and Welfare
This chapter lays the philosophical foundation for the book's theoretical framework, drawing on moral and political philosophy to argue that Aristotle's theory and Sen's capability approach provide ...
More
This chapter lays the philosophical foundation for the book's theoretical framework, drawing on moral and political philosophy to argue that Aristotle's theory and Sen's capability approach provide the philosophical basis for the special moral importance of health capabilities as a central focal variable for assessing equality and efficiency in health policy. Both take a universal view of humans' capability to flourish as an end of moral and political philosophy and provide an analytical framework for addressing questions of justice and human rights in a way other philosophical schools do not. The capability approach considers human heterogeneity when assessing equality, and uses the capability to achieve valuable functionings as the main variable for evaluation. It also respects the central importance of freedom and reason in enabling humans to make choices. This is a departure from more Rawlsian resource‐based evaluation frameworks that measure equality according to the attainment of tangible rewards such as wealth, income and health care. This chapter highlights the important contributions of these philosophical theories to the author's own thinking, while at the same time recognizes their limitations and demonstrates how the health capability paradigm can address such drawbacks in the specific context of the development, organization, and delivery of health systems and policy.Less
This chapter lays the philosophical foundation for the book's theoretical framework, drawing on moral and political philosophy to argue that Aristotle's theory and Sen's capability approach provide the philosophical basis for the special moral importance of health capabilities as a central focal variable for assessing equality and efficiency in health policy. Both take a universal view of humans' capability to flourish as an end of moral and political philosophy and provide an analytical framework for addressing questions of justice and human rights in a way other philosophical schools do not. The capability approach considers human heterogeneity when assessing equality, and uses the capability to achieve valuable functionings as the main variable for evaluation. It also respects the central importance of freedom and reason in enabling humans to make choices. This is a departure from more Rawlsian resource‐based evaluation frameworks that measure equality according to the attainment of tangible rewards such as wealth, income and health care. This chapter highlights the important contributions of these philosophical theories to the author's own thinking, while at the same time recognizes their limitations and demonstrates how the health capability paradigm can address such drawbacks in the specific context of the development, organization, and delivery of health systems and policy.
Douglas J. Den Uyl and Douglas B. Rasmussen
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2018
- ISBN:
- 9781474413343
- eISBN:
- 9781474422406
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9781474413343.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This chapter provides an overview of the essentials of individualistic perfection—specifically, the view of human good and ethical obligation. Not only are the notions of objectivity, inclusivity, ...
More
This chapter provides an overview of the essentials of individualistic perfection—specifically, the view of human good and ethical obligation. Not only are the notions of objectivity, inclusivity, agent-relativity, individuality, self-directedness, and sociality vital to this understanding of human good—which is called “human flourishing”—but further human flourishing is described as “the exercise of one’s own practical wisdom.” The insights of practical wisdom are crucial to both the creation of an integrated self and the determination of ethical obligation. Finally, this chapter notes that self-perfection is a matter of continual disclosure (and thus must be considered an open-ended process) and is not passive or static.Less
This chapter provides an overview of the essentials of individualistic perfection—specifically, the view of human good and ethical obligation. Not only are the notions of objectivity, inclusivity, agent-relativity, individuality, self-directedness, and sociality vital to this understanding of human good—which is called “human flourishing”—but further human flourishing is described as “the exercise of one’s own practical wisdom.” The insights of practical wisdom are crucial to both the creation of an integrated self and the determination of ethical obligation. Finally, this chapter notes that self-perfection is a matter of continual disclosure (and thus must be considered an open-ended process) and is not passive or static.
John Barry
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199695393
- eISBN:
- 9780191738982
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199695393.003.0005
- Subject:
- Political Science, Environmental Politics
Offers a green alternative to neoclassical economics based on ecological considerations as well as eco-feminist, ecological economics, and heterodox economic insights. Picking up on the discussion of ...
More
Offers a green alternative to neoclassical economics based on ecological considerations as well as eco-feminist, ecological economics, and heterodox economic insights. Picking up on the discussion of economic growth in the previous chapter this chapter critically interrogates it, following John McMurtry, as denoting ‘the cancer stage of capitalism’. This chapter outlines and defends an alternative to economic growth—namely ‘economic security’ in which quality of life and well-being (especially free time) become central objectives of macroeconomic policy and the way we think about a sustainable economy. Key to this notion of economic security (which is suggested as appropriate only for ‘over-developed’ economies in the minority world) is the need to reduce socio-economic inequality. Other features of this green political economic alternative to the neoclassical orthodoxy include the centrality of principles such as sufficiency and moderation over efficiency and maximization, here linking back to the permaculture-inspired idea of resilience being a function of ‘slack’ and in-built redundancy, i.e. deliberative deviations from the norm of efficiency.Less
Offers a green alternative to neoclassical economics based on ecological considerations as well as eco-feminist, ecological economics, and heterodox economic insights. Picking up on the discussion of economic growth in the previous chapter this chapter critically interrogates it, following John McMurtry, as denoting ‘the cancer stage of capitalism’. This chapter outlines and defends an alternative to economic growth—namely ‘economic security’ in which quality of life and well-being (especially free time) become central objectives of macroeconomic policy and the way we think about a sustainable economy. Key to this notion of economic security (which is suggested as appropriate only for ‘over-developed’ economies in the minority world) is the need to reduce socio-economic inequality. Other features of this green political economic alternative to the neoclassical orthodoxy include the centrality of principles such as sufficiency and moderation over efficiency and maximization, here linking back to the permaculture-inspired idea of resilience being a function of ‘slack’ and in-built redundancy, i.e. deliberative deviations from the norm of efficiency.
C. Stephen Evans
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- January 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780199272174
- eISBN:
- 9780191602061
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199272174.003.0005
- Subject:
- Religion, Philosophy of Religion
Divine command theory gives an account of obligation, specifically moral obligation. Any action God commands his human creatures to do is morally binding for them, and any action that is morally ...
More
Divine command theory gives an account of obligation, specifically moral obligation. Any action God commands his human creatures to do is morally binding for them, and any action that is morally obligatory for humans has the status of being a moral obligation because God commands it. In Works of Love, Kierkegaard argues that our motivation to obey God is grounded in the special relationship we have with God – a relationship that begins with our birth and continues beyond our death. The grounds for God’s authority is not his power but his love, and God’s commands are not arbitrary but are rooted in God’s desire for human flourishing.Less
Divine command theory gives an account of obligation, specifically moral obligation. Any action God commands his human creatures to do is morally binding for them, and any action that is morally obligatory for humans has the status of being a moral obligation because God commands it. In Works of Love, Kierkegaard argues that our motivation to obey God is grounded in the special relationship we have with God – a relationship that begins with our birth and continues beyond our death. The grounds for God’s authority is not his power but his love, and God’s commands are not arbitrary but are rooted in God’s desire for human flourishing.
ROBERT P. GEORGE
- Published in print:
- 1999
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780198267713
- eISBN:
- 9780191683343
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198267713.003.0015
- Subject:
- Law, Philosophy of Law
This chapter explores and criticizes a view of the nature of practical reasoning and moral judgment that profoundly differs from, yet is easily confused with, the natural law view. Michael Perry, in ...
More
This chapter explores and criticizes a view of the nature of practical reasoning and moral judgment that profoundly differs from, yet is easily confused with, the natural law view. Michael Perry, in his book Morality, Politics, and Law, defended the former view and is ably set forth in the book. It understands ‘human flourishing’ as a criterion of morality like the natural law view. It rejects the ‘incommensurability’ of the basic practical principles which direct choice and action toward those intelligible purposes (‘basic human goods’) that constitute the most fundamental aspects of human flourishing.Less
This chapter explores and criticizes a view of the nature of practical reasoning and moral judgment that profoundly differs from, yet is easily confused with, the natural law view. Michael Perry, in his book Morality, Politics, and Law, defended the former view and is ably set forth in the book. It understands ‘human flourishing’ as a criterion of morality like the natural law view. It rejects the ‘incommensurability’ of the basic practical principles which direct choice and action toward those intelligible purposes (‘basic human goods’) that constitute the most fundamental aspects of human flourishing.
C. Stephen Evans
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- January 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780199272174
- eISBN:
- 9780191602061
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199272174.003.0006
- Subject:
- Religion, Philosophy of Religion
Neighbour-love, grounded by divine authority, provides a basis for genuine human flourishing despite the fact that this love requires self-denial. God does not suggest neighbour-love but commands it, ...
More
Neighbour-love, grounded by divine authority, provides a basis for genuine human flourishing despite the fact that this love requires self-denial. God does not suggest neighbour-love but commands it, and being a duty makes neighbour-love steadfast, autonomous, and significant. True happiness is not found when we aim directly at our own happiness, but when we discover God’s love for us and respond to God in grateful obedience. Loving God in the right way, we will want to obey his command – the command to love our neighbours as ourselves.Less
Neighbour-love, grounded by divine authority, provides a basis for genuine human flourishing despite the fact that this love requires self-denial. God does not suggest neighbour-love but commands it, and being a duty makes neighbour-love steadfast, autonomous, and significant. True happiness is not found when we aim directly at our own happiness, but when we discover God’s love for us and respond to God in grateful obedience. Loving God in the right way, we will want to obey his command – the command to love our neighbours as ourselves.
Jason Baehr
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199604074
- eISBN:
- 9780191729300
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199604074.003.0011
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind
The Appendix examines the relationship between intellectual virtues, conceived as character traits, and what are typically thought of as moral virtues. Three possible accounts of this relation are ...
More
The Appendix examines the relationship between intellectual virtues, conceived as character traits, and what are typically thought of as moral virtues. Three possible accounts of this relation are considered: (1) what we call “intellectual virtues” just are moral virtues; (2) intellectual virtues are a proper subset of moral virtues; and (3) intellectual virtues are fundamentally distinct from moral virtues. A position is defended according to which a trait's being an intellectual virtue depends on its being internally orientated toward distinctively epistemic goods, while a trait's being a moral virtue depends on its being others‐regarding. The result is that there is substantial overlap between the class of intellectual virtues and the class of moral virtues and that consequently a position somewhere between (2) and (3) is correct.Less
The Appendix examines the relationship between intellectual virtues, conceived as character traits, and what are typically thought of as moral virtues. Three possible accounts of this relation are considered: (1) what we call “intellectual virtues” just are moral virtues; (2) intellectual virtues are a proper subset of moral virtues; and (3) intellectual virtues are fundamentally distinct from moral virtues. A position is defended according to which a trait's being an intellectual virtue depends on its being internally orientated toward distinctively epistemic goods, while a trait's being a moral virtue depends on its being others‐regarding. The result is that there is substantial overlap between the class of intellectual virtues and the class of moral virtues and that consequently a position somewhere between (2) and (3) is correct.
Jennifer Prah Ruger
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199559978
- eISBN:
- 9780191721489
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199559978.003.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Public and Welfare
The introduction summarizes the theoretical foundations of the health capability paradigm and distinguishes it from prevailing frameworks, which represent clear deficiencies in thinking and action ...
More
The introduction summarizes the theoretical foundations of the health capability paradigm and distinguishes it from prevailing frameworks, which represent clear deficiencies in thinking and action about health and health care. The theory is rooted in a particular view of the good life —— Aristotelian human flourishing —— that values health intrinsically. An overview presents other components of the health capability paradigm, including incompletely theorized agreements, shortfall inequality, the role of internalized public moral norms in collective choice, and a joint scientific and deliberative approach, with medical necessity and medical appropriateness informing decision-making in a shared health governance framework. Health agency —— the ability to engage with and navigate one's environment and the health care system to meet health needs —— is an integral part of the health capability paradigm.Less
The introduction summarizes the theoretical foundations of the health capability paradigm and distinguishes it from prevailing frameworks, which represent clear deficiencies in thinking and action about health and health care. The theory is rooted in a particular view of the good life —— Aristotelian human flourishing —— that values health intrinsically. An overview presents other components of the health capability paradigm, including incompletely theorized agreements, shortfall inequality, the role of internalized public moral norms in collective choice, and a joint scientific and deliberative approach, with medical necessity and medical appropriateness informing decision-making in a shared health governance framework. Health agency —— the ability to engage with and navigate one's environment and the health care system to meet health needs —— is an integral part of the health capability paradigm.
Allen Thompson and Jeremy Bendik-Keymer
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- August 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780262017534
- eISBN:
- 9780262301541
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262017534.003.0001
- Subject:
- Environmental Science, Climate
Various human activities such as deforestation and burning fossil fuels for energy have significant impacts on global climate conditions. International efforts at climate change mitigation are ...
More
Various human activities such as deforestation and burning fossil fuels for energy have significant impacts on global climate conditions. International efforts at climate change mitigation are inadequate, and consequently, serious attention has turned to issues of adaptation, the concept of which has become a source of significant debate in policy discussions, in terms of both its meaning and practical interpretation. This introduction explains how views of adaptation to climate change are committed to reflection and research on human flourishing, and also explains how the role of virtue in ecological restoration connects with adaptation and human flourishing under global climate change.Less
Various human activities such as deforestation and burning fossil fuels for energy have significant impacts on global climate conditions. International efforts at climate change mitigation are inadequate, and consequently, serious attention has turned to issues of adaptation, the concept of which has become a source of significant debate in policy discussions, in terms of both its meaning and practical interpretation. This introduction explains how views of adaptation to climate change are committed to reflection and research on human flourishing, and also explains how the role of virtue in ecological restoration connects with adaptation and human flourishing under global climate change.
Joseph Fishkin
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- April 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780199812141
- eISBN:
- 9780199395576
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199812141.003.0003
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This chapter proposes a new way of thinking about equal opportunity: opportunity pluralism. The idea is that, instead of literally attempting to equalize opportunities, we ought to work to broaden ...
More
This chapter proposes a new way of thinking about equal opportunity: opportunity pluralism. The idea is that, instead of literally attempting to equalize opportunities, we ought to work to broaden the ranges of opportunities open to people at all stages in life to pursue paths that lead to human flourishing. To achieve this, the chapter argues that we ought to loosen the bottlenecks in the opportunity structure: the narrow places through which people must pass in order to reach a wide range of paths that open out on the other side. The chapter argues that we ought to build a society with a wide plurality of values, in which many of the goods people value are not positional goods, and where there are many competing sources of authority over both the opportunity structure and questions of value.Less
This chapter proposes a new way of thinking about equal opportunity: opportunity pluralism. The idea is that, instead of literally attempting to equalize opportunities, we ought to work to broaden the ranges of opportunities open to people at all stages in life to pursue paths that lead to human flourishing. To achieve this, the chapter argues that we ought to loosen the bottlenecks in the opportunity structure: the narrow places through which people must pass in order to reach a wide range of paths that open out on the other side. The chapter argues that we ought to build a society with a wide plurality of values, in which many of the goods people value are not positional goods, and where there are many competing sources of authority over both the opportunity structure and questions of value.
Andrea Veltman
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- November 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780190618179
- eISBN:
- 9780190618209
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780190618179.003.0002
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
This chapter provides an overview of theories of human flourishing and other philosophical conceptions of the good life for human beings. The author draws on Aristotle for a conception of happiness ...
More
This chapter provides an overview of theories of human flourishing and other philosophical conceptions of the good life for human beings. The author draws on Aristotle for a conception of happiness as encompassing the development of human capabilities and the possession of a plurality of goods. The chapter also highlights several ways in which work can enhance or detract from a flourishing life, providing a cumulative case argument for the thesis that meaningful work is central in human flourishing. The author also highlights a paradox in the general neglect of work on the part of philosophers who develop theories of the human good. The final section of the chapter addresses a common maneuver of turning immediately or only to Karl Marx for an ideal of meaningful work, arguing that such a maneuver neglects a broader heritage of philosophical and religious insights on work.Less
This chapter provides an overview of theories of human flourishing and other philosophical conceptions of the good life for human beings. The author draws on Aristotle for a conception of happiness as encompassing the development of human capabilities and the possession of a plurality of goods. The chapter also highlights several ways in which work can enhance or detract from a flourishing life, providing a cumulative case argument for the thesis that meaningful work is central in human flourishing. The author also highlights a paradox in the general neglect of work on the part of philosophers who develop theories of the human good. The final section of the chapter addresses a common maneuver of turning immediately or only to Karl Marx for an ideal of meaningful work, arguing that such a maneuver neglects a broader heritage of philosophical and religious insights on work.
