Value and Justification: The Foundations of Liberal Theory

by Gerald F. Gaus

Overview

This important new book takes as its points of departure two questions: What is the nature of valuing? and What morality can be justified in a society that deeply disagrees on what is truly valuable? In Part One, the author develops a theory of value that attempts to reconcile reason with passions. Part Two explores how this theory of value grounds our commitment to moral action. The author argues that rational moral action can neither be seen as a way of simply maximising one's own values, nor derived from reason independent of one's values. Rather, our commitment to the moral point of view is presupposed by our value systems. The book concludes with a defense of liberal political morality.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521397339
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	07/27/1990
Series:	Cambridge Studies in Philosophy
Pages:	560
Product dimensions:	5.43(w) x 8.50(h) x 1.38(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. The nature of the theories; Part I. A Theory of Value: 2. Emotion; 3. Valuing; 4. Value judgements; 5. Values and value systems; Part II. A Theory of Justification: 6. Value and moral reasons; 7. Telelogical and deontological justification 8. The state of nature; 9. The social contract; Appendices; Bibliography.

Editorial Reviews

'Gaus' work constitutes a highly original attempt to provide liberal theory with psychological and moral foundations.' Philip Pettit, The Australian National University

From the Publisher