Divine Motivation Theory
Cambridge University Press, 10/7/2004
EAN 9780521535762, ISBN10: 052153576X
Paperback, 430 pages, 22.9 x 15.2 x 2.7 cm
Language: English
Originally published in English
Widely regarded as one of the foremost figures in contemporary philosophy of religion, this book by Linda Zagzebski is a major contribution to ethical theory and theological ethics. At the core of the book lies a form of virtue theory based on the emotions. Quite distinct from deontological, consequentialist and teleological virtue theories, this one has a particular theological, indeed Christian, foundation. The theory helps to resolve philosophical problems and puzzles of various kinds: the dispute between cognitivism and non-cognitivism in moral psychology, the claims and counterclaims of realism and anti-realism in the metaphysics of value, and paradoxes of perfect goodness in natural theology, including the problem of evil. As with Zagzebski's previous Cambridge book Virtues of the Mind, this book will be sought out eagerly by a broad swathe of professionals and graduate students in philosophy and religious studies.
Part I. Motivation-Based Virtue Ethics
1. Constructing an ethical theory
2. Making emotion primary
3. Goods and virtues
4. Acts and obligation
Part II. Divine Motivation Theory
5. The virtues of God
6. The moral importance of the incarnation
7. The paradoxes of perfect goodness
8. The problem of evil
Part III. Ethical Pluralism
9. Ideal observers, ideal agents, and moral diversity.