Written with clarity and vigor, this book serves as an effective introduction to Hare's views, succinctly summarizing and cross-referencing key arguments from earlier works. Its comprehensive approach makes it an ideal choice for students, positioning it as a necessary replacement on reading lists for those new to the subject.
R. M. Hare's volume features his best uncollected essays in moral philosophy, including several unpublished works. Covering a wide range of ethical topics, it showcases his dedication to merging theoretical and practical aspects of ethics.
R.M. Hare explores the intricate connections between religion, morality, and education in this collection of significant essays. He begins by analyzing the meaning of religious language and delves into how religion influences moral education. A central theme is the importance of teaching children to think independently and rationally about moral issues, highlighting societal consequences when this fails. Hare critiques the dismissal of morality in education, using discussions on euthanasia and equality in education to illustrate potential pitfalls in moral reasoning.
The book explores the intersection of utilitarian and Kantian ethics, demonstrating their practical equivalence, particularly in medical ethics. A key thesis posits that preventing potential lives from becoming actual lives can constitute harm, challenging conventional views on embryo experimentation and population policy, while supporting a liberal stance on abortion. It includes introductions to medical and psychiatric ethics, and essays addressing health, child experimentation, healthcare policy, free will, and vegetarianism, making it a comprehensive resource on ethical issues in medicine.
Proceeds in a logical fashion to show how, when thinking morally, a man can be both free and rational.