The Moral Philosophy of R. M. Hare: A Vindication of Utilitarianism?

by Alberta Osei

This is probably the most comprehensive study of R. M. Hare's moral language analysis which leads to his defense of utilitarianism. Contesting the attempt by logical positivists to make moral statements non-philosophy, this work agrees in large part with R. M. Hare's analysis of language, but points out that Hare deserts his own philosophy in real situations of application. It finds that the utilitarian element to be found in most moral judgments is given undue weight and made the foundation of morality; actually utilitarianism only expropriates old precepts of intuitions. This book is commendable for its singular call to see the value of various moral philosophical positions and reconcile the truth in them, for such truths are not mutually exclusive simply because they come from philosophers of different schools.

603 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998