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Divine Motivation Theory

Divine Motivation Theory

Divine Motivation Theory

Linda Trinkaus Zagzebski, University of Oklahoma
October 2004
Available
Paperback
9780521535762

    Widely regarded as one of the foremost figures in contemporary philosophy of religion, this book by Linda Zagzebski is a major contribution to ethical theory and theological ethics. At the core of the book lies a form of virtue theory based on the emotions. Quite distinct from deontological, consequentialist and teleological virtue theories, this one has a particular theological, indeed Christian, foundation. The theory helps to resolve philosophical problems and puzzles of various kinds: the dispute between cognitivism and non-cognitivism in moral psychology, the claims and counterclaims of realism and anti-realism in the metaphysics of value, and paradoxes of perfect goodness in natural theology, including the problem of evil. As with Zagzebski's previous Cambridge book Virtues of the Mind, this book will be sought out eagerly by a broad swathe of professionals and graduate students in philosophy and religious studies.

    • Zagzebski is a prominent author whose previous book for Cambridge, Virtues of the Mind, did very well
    • Philosophy of religion is a strong-selling part of the Philosophy list

    Reviews & endorsements

    'Divine Motivation Theory is an ambitious and wide-ranging book which traverses territories familiar to moral philosophy, theology and the philosophy of religion.' The Times Literary Supplement

    '... written in a clear and accesible style... even when one disagrees with what is being said, one cannot help but be glad that it's been said and said so clearly.' Ars Disputandi

    See more reviews

    Product details

    October 2004
    Paperback
    9780521535762
    430 pages
    229 × 152 × 24 mm
    0.63kg
    Available

    Table of Contents

    • Part I. Motivation-Based Virtue Ethics:
    • 1. Constructing an ethical theory
    • 2. Making emotion primary
    • 3. Goods and virtues
    • 4. Acts and obligation
    • Part II. Divine Motivation Theory:
    • 5. The virtues of God
    • 6. The moral importance of the incarnation
    • 7. The paradoxes of perfect goodness
    • 8. The problem of evil
    • Part III. Ethical Pluralism:
    • 9. Ideal observers, ideal agents, and moral diversity.
      Author
    • Linda Trinkaus Zagzebski , University of Oklahoma

      Linda Trinkaus Zagzebski is Kingfisher College Chair of the Philosophy of Religion and Ethics and Professor of Philosophy at the University of Oklahoma.