Moral Desert

A Critique

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Law, General Practice, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Public Policy
Cover of the book Moral Desert by Howard Simmons, UPA
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Howard Simmons ISBN: 9780761850953
Publisher: UPA Publication: February 23, 2010
Imprint: UPA Language: English
Author: Howard Simmons
ISBN: 9780761850953
Publisher: UPA
Publication: February 23, 2010
Imprint: UPA
Language: English

In Moral Desert, Howard Simmons notes that the idea that we deserve to be praised or rewarded for good behavior and blamed or punished when we act badly seems central to everyone's moral deliberation and practices. Simmons subjects this assumption to critical scrutiny. He argues that in a wide range of cases it is almost impossible to know the extent of people's moral responsibility, and indeed that it may be a complete delusion. He attacks the still-popular theory of retributive punishment, with special reference to the views of Peter French and J. Angelo Corlett. Simmons does not conclude that punishment is always unjustified, but insists that any justification should relate to its real world consequences. State punishment should be inflicted according to strict consequentialist precepts, and the author provides systematic principles for determining an appropriate sentence and for deciding when offenders should be excused. He also considers the implications of his views for distributive justice and personal morality.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In Moral Desert, Howard Simmons notes that the idea that we deserve to be praised or rewarded for good behavior and blamed or punished when we act badly seems central to everyone's moral deliberation and practices. Simmons subjects this assumption to critical scrutiny. He argues that in a wide range of cases it is almost impossible to know the extent of people's moral responsibility, and indeed that it may be a complete delusion. He attacks the still-popular theory of retributive punishment, with special reference to the views of Peter French and J. Angelo Corlett. Simmons does not conclude that punishment is always unjustified, but insists that any justification should relate to its real world consequences. State punishment should be inflicted according to strict consequentialist precepts, and the author provides systematic principles for determining an appropriate sentence and for deciding when offenders should be excused. He also considers the implications of his views for distributive justice and personal morality.

More books from UPA

Cover of the book Handbook of Families and Work by Howard Simmons
Cover of the book A Critical Analysis of the Efficacy of Law as a Tool to Achieve Gender Equality by Howard Simmons
Cover of the book Government, Policy, and Ideology by Howard Simmons
Cover of the book Staten Island by Howard Simmons
Cover of the book Echoes of the Shema and Our Father's Footprints by Howard Simmons
Cover of the book Back to the Future by Howard Simmons
Cover of the book Messianic 'I' and Rastafari in New Testament Dialogue by Howard Simmons
Cover of the book The Invention of Monotheist Ethics by Howard Simmons
Cover of the book Television's Imageable Influences by Howard Simmons
Cover of the book Advancing Educational Outcomes in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics at Historically Black Colleges and Universities by Howard Simmons
Cover of the book Morally and Otherwise Right Lives, Education and Upbringing by Howard Simmons
Cover of the book Ireland's Great Hunger by Howard Simmons
Cover of the book Surrogate Terrorists by Howard Simmons
Cover of the book Venice in Environmental Peril? by Howard Simmons
Cover of the book 'Only Nixon' by Howard Simmons
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy