This posthumous publication attempts to answer the question of what
moral code is the most reasonable. Philosophers often turn to
consequentialism or deontological ethics to address this issue. As the
author points out, each has valid arguments but each is unable to get
the other side to agree. To rectify this, he proposes a third way.
Inside, readers will discover a theory that tries to do justice to both
sides.
The author first details consequentialism and deontological ethics. He
also explains their fundamental conflict. One holds the view that you
should do what has the best consequences. The other believes that there
are actions which are wrong to do even if they have the best
consequences.
Next, the volume considers various ways to solve this conflict. Would
rejecting one theory work? Or, is it possible to somehow reconcile them.
The author shows why these solutions fail. He then goes on to present
his own. The resulting contractual theory brings together the two
opposing ethical convictions. It proposes that what is right and wrong
depends on what norms people would agree to.
Throughout, coverage explores the psychological, sociological, and
historical background of the moral theories discussed. The reason is
that moral theories are embedded in social and psychological contexts.
They are better understood when the contexts are explicit. This key
feature distinguishes the volume from other works in moral philosophy.
At the time of his death in July 2011, Jan Österberg was close to
completing this manuscript. It was taken up and fully completed by Erik
Carlson and Ryszard Sliwinski, both of Uppsala University.
