Sorting Out Ethics

by R.M. Hare

Sorting Out Ethics is a characteristically lucid and lively survey of rival ethical theories by one of the most influential moral philosophers of the century. It also constitutes a definitive summary of Hare's own fundamental ethical position. The book's main theme is that objectivity in
moral thinking is not to be sought by making moral questions into questions of fact; this leads inevitably to relativism, tying us to particular cultures and languages. Objectivity is to be sought, rather, by emphasizing the universally prescriptive character of moral language, which all cultures
can share, and so using it to resolve their moral differences. An objective moral prescription, as Kant saw, is one upon which all rational thinkers can agree.

Genres: Philosophy

204 pages, Hardcover

First published February 26, 1998

Reviews

[Jonathan Norton]

From Hare's final years, this is a series of lectures he gave, plus 1 essay on the relation of Kant to utilitarianism. A good summary of his mature views on meta-ethics.

[Donald Stephen]

A philosopher talking in a very philosophical way.

[Robert Heckner]

One of the best treatments of meta-ethics that I have read; rigorous and clear.