William J. Talbott Book order (chronological)

In the latter half of the twentieth century, significant societal changes occurred, including the end of legalized segregation in the southern United States, the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa, and the recognition of equal rights for women and people with disabilities. Additionally, the rights of colonial peoples and the LGBTQ+ community began to gain acknowledgment. These developments raise the question: what constitutes moral progress? William Talbott presents a consequentialist meta-theoretical principle of moral and legal progress, termed the "main principle," to clarify why these changes represent moral advancement. He argues that improvements in moral or legal practices should equitably promote well-being. Talbott explains the prevalence of exceptions in moral norms and principles, suggesting that even with ongoing improvements, new exceptions will continue to arise. This insight leads to a fresh understanding of the "naturalistic fallacy." Talbott also aims to identify universal human rights that should be legally guaranteed across societies, presenting a list of fourteen inalienable rights. He contrasts his consequentialist perspective with influential nonconsequentialist theories of morality and justice, engaging with the works of prominent philosophers such as Ronald Dworkin, Martha Nussbaum, and John Rawls, among others.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident..." begins the U.S. Declaration of Independence, which endorses universal rights that are not as self-evident as claimed. William Talbott argues that the authors were constrained by Enlightenment presuppositions, believing there was a singular way to rationally justify universal truths through self-evident premises. In hindsight, it’s evident they lacked an infallible source of moral truth, as many supported slavery, a moral failing not recognized as self-evident at the time. Talbott builds on thinkers like John Rawls and J.S. Mill to illustrate how humanity has developed a moral perspective that allows for universal, albeit not infallible, judgments of right and wrong. This perspective has led to the recognition of nine fundamental rights. A key issue he addresses is moral relativism: how can one advocate for universal rights without being seen as a moral imperialist? Talbott defends individual rights from a universal moral standpoint that avoids both imperialism and relativism, acknowledging that everyone has moral blind spots and often relies on others to help identify them. His work engages not only with human rights debates but also with broader discussions on moral and cultural relativism, appealing to a diverse readership.