Moral Absolutism and the Problem of Hard Cases

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Terrance C. McConnell, Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: In The Theory of Morality Alan Donagan discusses two problems recently raised for anti-consequentialist moral theories. He calls these "cases of necessity" anti "the problem of dirty hands." What is common to each is that anti-consequentialist theories seem to posit requirements the fulfillment of which sometimes results in disastrous consequences. Donagan argues that the anti-consequentialist theory which underlies the Hebrew-Christian moral tradition can avoid these problems. It is argued that Donagan's defense is inadequate. At the end of the paper what the anti-consequentialist must do to deal with these problems is discussed.

Additional Information

Publication
The Journal of Religious Ethics 9(2) (Fall 1981), pp. 286-297
Language: English
Date: 1981
Keywords
Alan Donagan, The Theory of Morality, anti-consequentialist theories

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