Book contents
- Of Moral Conduct
- Of Moral Conduct
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Preface
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- Part I Dimensions of Moral Conduct
- Part II Moral Obligation
- 4 Moral Principles
- 5 Higher-Level Moral Obligations
- 6 Living Morally
- Part III Moral Knowledge and Normative Realism
- Part IV Reasons, Values, and Obligations
- References
- Index
5 - Higher-Level Moral Obligations
from Part II - Moral Obligation
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 08 June 2023
- Of Moral Conduct
- Of Moral Conduct
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Preface
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- Part I Dimensions of Moral Conduct
- Part II Moral Obligation
- 4 Moral Principles
- 5 Higher-Level Moral Obligations
- 6 Living Morally
- Part III Moral Knowledge and Normative Realism
- Part IV Reasons, Values, and Obligations
- References
- Index
Summary
Moral soundness in our behavior requires more than conformity to the principles described in Chapter 4. This is above all because it requires moral conduct and not just the deeds those principles call for. There are two obligations that are higher level than those described in Chapter 4 in ranging over all the types those principles concern. One posits an obligation to preserve and promote liberty; the other posits an obligation to do the deeds morality calls for respectfully – in a morally appropriate manner. Like the liberty obligation, it is immensely comprehensive and extends to all interpersonal action. This chapter describes these higher-level obligations. To clarify them, the chapter pursues two major moral questions: the scope-question of what range of deeds are discretionary – not obligatory and within our freedom of choice – and the adverbial how-question of what manners of doing what we do are morally appropriate in the relevant contexts.
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- Of Moral ConductA Theory of Obligation, Reasons, and Value, pp. 98 - 115Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2023