Mark C. Murphy is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Georgetown University.This text is a defense of a contemporary natural law theory of practical rationality, showing its inherent plausibility and engaging systematically with rival egoist, consequentialist, Kantian and virtue accounts.According to the natural law account of practical rationality, the basic reasons for actions are basic goods that are grounded in the nature of human beings. Practical rationality aims to identify and characterize reasons for action and to explain how choice between actions worth performing can be appropriately governed by rational standards. Natural Law and Practical Rationality is a defense of a contemporary natural law theory of practical rationality, demonstrating its inherent plausibility and engaging systematically with rival egoist, consequentialist, Kantian and virtue accounts."An impressive tour de force...Any philosopher doing work in contemporary ethics generally, as well as those doing work specifically in the areas of natural law and practical reason, will benefit enormously from grappling with the vigorous argumentation of this book." Review of Metaphysics"Murphy develops his ideas thoroughly, treats his critics fairly, and presents a well-argued, highly sophisticated case for his version on natural law." Theological Studies"This book should and will be a focus of debate among those people who advocate various versions of natural right in moral, political, and legal philosophy...an important book that should be studied by all contemporary students of the issues it treats." The ThomistA defense of a contemporary natural law theory of practical rationality.
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