About this title: Two essays on utilitarianism, written from opposite points of view, by J. J. C. Smart and Bernard Williams. In the first part of the book Professor Smart advocates a modern and sophisticated version of classical utilitarianism; he tries to formulate a consistent and persuasive elaboration of the doctrine that the rightness and wrongness of actions is determined solely by their consequences, and in particular their consequences for the sum total of human happiness. This is a revised version of Professor Smart's famous essay 'an outline of a system of utilitarian ethics', first published in ...
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Description: Good. Shows some signs of wear, and may have some markings on the inside. Shipped to over one million happy customers. Your purchase benefits world literacy! read more
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Date Published: 1973
ISBN-13:9780521098229ISBN:052109822X
Description: BRAND NEW PAPERBACK. 7.8 by.63 inches. (155 pages) two essays on utilitarianism, written from opposite points of view, by j. j. c. smart and bernard williams. two essays on utilitarianism, written from opposite points of view, by j. j. c. smart and bernard williams. in the first part of the book professor smart advocates a modern and sophisticated version of classical utilitarianism, he tries to formulate a consistent and persuasive elaboration of the doctrine that the rightness and wrongness ... read more
Description: Satisfaction Guaranteed. Shipped quickly. 1973. Hardcover. Used, very good. Very good overall with light to moderate wear. No dust jacket. read more
Description: Reader copy. 1989 PAPERBACK, solid binding, lots of "USED" stampings all over, marker obliterations, etc., a few notes in a few of the middle chapters, guaranteed to be same book listed, ISBN: 0-521-09822-X. read more
Binding: S paperback
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Date Published: 1980
ISBN-13:9780521098229ISBN:052109822X
Description: Good. Rear cover flap lightly sunned, cover very faintly creased in a few spots; bottom edge very lightly bumped; previous pricing code stamped on Title page; binding tight; cover, edges, and interior intact and clean except where noted. read more
Binding: Softcover
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN-13:9780521098229ISBN:052109822X
Description: Good. 052109822X Good condition. May have some markings & or shelfwear. All pages intact. Used items may not include extras such as infotrac, CD or other web access codes. read more
Binding: PAPERBACK
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Date Published: 1973
ISBN-13:9780521098229ISBN:052109822X
Description: Very Good. 052109822X Pub date: 1973. Condition: Very Good. Slight cover and/or page wear. Great used condition. We are a tested and proven company with over 400, 000 satisfied customers since 1997. Choose expedited shipping for much faster delivery. Delivery confirmation on al. read more
Binding: PAPERBACK
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN-13:9780521098229ISBN:052109822X
Description: Good. 052109822X Some usage wear and yellowed on cover. Pen underlines/notes on half of the book. tanning to pages. Pages crisp, binding tight. read more
Binding: Softcover
Publisher: Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Date Published: 1973
ISBN-13:9780521098229ISBN:052109822X
Description: Good underlining/hihgliting. Soft cover. Used, Good, gently read book. Paperback edition in good condition, some slight creases/wear to edges. This book contains good information for persons wanting to enhance their knowledge of the subject matter in particular. Always a good reference guide to keep on hand. Will help you better understand methods and meanings in great detail. read more
Binding: Softcover
Publisher: Cambridge Univ Pr
Date Published: 1973
ISBN-13:9780521098229ISBN:052109822X
Description: Fine. Paperback. Almost new condition. Almost new condition. SKU: 24601472 All orders shipped within 1 business day. 14 day money back guarantee ISBN: 9780521098229. read more
Binding: Softcover
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN-13:9780521098229ISBN:052109822X
Description: Good. 052109822X Good condition. May have some markings & or shelfwear. All pages intact. Used items may not include extras such as infotrac, CD or other web access codes. read more
Description: New. PLEASE NOTE: All books are promptly imported from the UK using DHL or Royal Mail international mail WITH TRACKING NUMBER. Delivery is typically 5-10 working days. Please do not select expedited shipping. Professional and reliable bookseller (est.1987). read more
Description: New. PLEASE NOTE: All books are promptly imported from the UK using International Priority Airmail. Delivery is typically 5-10 working days. Please do not select expedited shipping. Heavier and more expensive items have tracking number. Professional and reliable bookseller (est.1987). read more
Binding: Softcover
Publisher: Cambridge University Press, UK
ISBN-13:9780521098229ISBN:052109822X
Description: New. Please note that deliveries to addresses in the UK and Europe will be in 4-14 business days. Other countries should refer to Alibris standard times. In the first part of the book Professor Smart advocates a modern and sophisticated version of classical utilitarianism. Bernard Williams offers a sustained and vigorous critique of utilitarian assumptions, arguments and ideals. ISBN10: 052109822X. read more
Binding: Softcover
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN-13:9780521098229ISBN:052109822X
Description: New. 052109822X Absolutely Brand New. No marks and in pristine condition. Used items may not include extras such as infotrac, CD or other web access codes. read more
Binding: Softcover
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN-13:9780521098229ISBN:052109822X
Description: New. 052109822X Absolutely Brand New. No marks and in pristine condition. Used items may not include extras such as infotrac, CD or other web access codes. read more
"Philosophical hogwash at its finest. The "against" section by Bernard Williams in particular is a superb example of the sheer inanity of the analytic tradition."
"This is one of the better books on the topic, for Utilitarianism, or ethics, or philosophy in general; specifically for Utilitarianism, this is probably the best book to get introduced to the topic. J.J.C. Smart and Bernard Williams each take half the book to explain Utilitarianism as they understand it, and to argue pro (Smart) and con (Williams). The book is rather short, small, and easy to read. Smart and Williams each do justice the topic by discussing relevant issues and common problems/complaints put to utilitarianism.
As with most philosophy books, this probably will not sway you from whatever believes you have (nor necessarily should it), but it should give you plenty to consider and help you to make a more informed argument, regardless of what you believe. It is written in plain English with good examples and cases to illustrate each side."
"I wonder: does anyone read Smart's half of this book anymore?
Williams loathes utilitarianism, which gives his attack some verve, but his attack seems totally inconclusive. He does manage to show that utilitarianism would, in extreme situations, have counter-intuitive consequences, and that it is very demanding. Any utilitarian would be happy to admit as much. He doesn't show what he tries to, that utilitarianism makes agency unintelligible.
The last line of the essay expresses a hope that we won't hear about utilitarianism for much longer. That reveals that Williams underestimates how deep utilitarian thinking runs in the modern world."
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