Utilitarianism in the Age of Enlightenment: The Moral and Political Thought of William Paley

ISBN-13: 9781108464680 / Angielski / Miękka / 2020 / 360 str.

Niall O'Flaherty

Opis

Charts the evolution of 'theological utilitarianism', one of the most influential traditions in eighteenth-century Anglophone moral and political thought, and addresses the contested issue of whether there was an 'English Enlightenment', through the life and thought of moral philosopher and clergyman, William Paley (1743-1805).

Recenzje

'… an impressive and enriching work.' Gregory Conti, The Review of Politics

Spis treści

Acknowledgements; Introduction; Part I. The Early Utilitarians: 1. The development of Lockean moral philosophy; 2. Abraham Tucker and the call for 'moral policy'; Part II. Paley's 'Moral Politics': 3. William Paley's moral thought; 4. 'Taking the pruning knife to the branch': expediency in action; 5. Natural theology as an aid to virtue; Part III. Paley's Politics: 6. Utility and the science of politics; 7. Utility and the constitution; 8. Paley on crimes and punishments; 9. Utility and toleration; Part IV. Property and Poverty: 10. The problem of poverty; 11. From Paley to Malthus: utility and society after 1785; Conclusion; Select bibliography.