Abstract

This volume should prove of value to the instructor who desires to stimulate ethical discussion among undergraduates. Its concern is the perennial debate between deontologists and teleologists over what is right and what is wrong in particular cases. A straightforward introduction by the editor defines the problem and summarizes the positions taken in the readings. The selections are intelligent and well-arranged. From the extremes of Kant and Sidgwick, the reader proceeds to twentieth century efforts at compromise. There is a section from Ross on prima facie obligations. Rule-utilitarianism is advocated by J. Harrison and attacked by J. J. C. Smart. A provocative piece by C. Strange offers a possible answer to Smart. The final selection is R. Brandt's "Toward a Credible Form of Utilitarianism" with its attempted reduction of rule-to act-utilitarianism. A good, short bibliographic essay completes this volume.--E. S. P.