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Is morality rational? In this book Gauthier argues that moral principles are principles of rational choice. He proposes a principle whereby choice is made on an agreed basis of cooperation, rather than according to what would give an individual the greatest expectation of value. He shows that such a principle not only ensures mutual benefit and fairness, thus satisfying the standards of morality, but also that each person may actually expect greater utility by adhering to morality, even though the choice did not have that end primarily in view. In resolving what may appear to be a paradox, the author establishes morals on the firm foundation of reason. Gauthier's argument includes an account of value, linking it to preference and utility; a discussion of the curcumstances in which morality is unnecessary; and an application of morals by agreement to relations between peoples at different levels of development and different generations. Finally, he reflects on the assumptions about individuality and community made by his account of rationality and morality.
This work investigates whether moral principles can be derived from the foundations of rational choice. David Gauthier, a prominent philosopher, argues that morality is not an external imposition but a requirement of consistent, self-interested rationality. By utilizing game theory and decision theory, he constructs a framework where individuals achieve greater utility through cooperative agreements than through unconstrained maximization. The text systematically bridges the gap between individual preference and collective moral obligation.
What You Will Find
Experts recognize this text as a foundational contribution to contractarian ethics and rational choice theory. Readers frequently note the high level of academic density and the rigorous logical structure required to follow Gauthier's complex arguments.
Page Count:
352
Publication Date:
1986-03-20
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
019824746X
ISBN-13:
9780198247463
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