Abstract

The overall conclusion which emerges from this study is that there is no sound defense for the view that indifference to others constitutes a reasonable policy of action. ;The purpose of the work is to advance a defense of the duty of the initial equal consideration of persons . Such a duty involves these things: that an agent is obligated to consider the likely ends of those persons directly affected by his action to the limits of his abilities; that he is obligated initially to rank these ends on a par with his own; and, that he is obligated to use this consideration as a basis for his action. I seek to ground the defense of this duty upon a foundation suggested by examining the ethical theories of Hume, Kant, and the twentieth century personalist, Peter A. Bertocci