Understanding Utilitarianism (Understanding Movements in Modern Thought)

Understanding Utilitarianism (Understanding Movements in Modern Thought)
Tim Mulgan (Author)

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Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism - a philosophy based on the principle of the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people - has been hugely influential over the past two centuries. Beyond ethics or morality, utilitarian assumptions and arguments abound in modern economic and political life, especially in public policy. An understanding of utilitarianism is indeed essential to any understanding of contemporary society. "Understanding Utilitarianism" presents utilitarianism very much as a living tradition. The book begins with a summary of the classical utilitarianism of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Subsequent chapters trace the development of the central themes of utilitarian thought over the twentieth century, covering such questions as: What is happiness? Is happiness the only valuable thing? Is utilitarianism about acts or rules or institutions? Is utilitarianism unjust, or implausibly demanding, or impractical? and Where might utilitarianism go in the future?

• Rank: #530493 in Books
• Published on: 2007-06-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 8.50" h x .63" w x 5.43" l, .57 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Description #1 by Shop.Everything.com:

Socialism was one of the formative forces of the modern world, and its complex history stretches back nearly three centuries. But what, exactly, does socialism mean? This informative and impartial guide takes you through socialism's origins to its contemporary interpretations, covering:Socialism's founders, including Sir Thomas More, Karl Marx, and Friedrich EngelsTypes of socialism, such as Maoism, syndicalism, communism, and green socialismBasic constructs and beliefs, and current misconceptionsSocialism's impact on America, including the Red Scare, the Catholic Worker Movement, and the Cold WarFeaturing an unbiased but comprehensive view of this controversial theory, this guide is the ultimate resource if you want to learn more about an age-old concept turned modern-day political firestorm.Pamela D. Toler holds a PhD in history from the University of Chicago. She taught courses on history and social and political thought at the University of Chicago. Pamela contributed more than sixty history-related essays to Publications International's Daily Dose of History and Daily Dose of Knowledge, including pieces on Adam Smith, John Stuart Mill, the gold standard, the Communist Manifesto, utilitarianism, and Nehru's socialism. Her work is regularly published in nationally distributed magazines specializing in history and culture, including American History, History, and Calliope, a world history magazine for children. She is the author of The Causes of the War of 1812 for OTTN's highly regarded Road to War series. Pamela is a member of the World History Association., ShopEverything

Description #2 by ValoreBooks.com:

Understanding Utilitarianism Understanding Movements in Modern Thought, ISBN-13: 9781844650903, ISBN-10: 1844650901

Description #3 by Alibris: