Ought Implies Kant: A Reply to the Consequentialist Critique

Ought Implies Kant offers an original defense of the ethical theory of Immanuel Kant, and develops an extension of that theory’s account of moral duty to include direct duties to nonhuman animals. The discussion centers on a critical examination of consequentialism, the view that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined solely by its consequences. Kantianism, by contrast, claims that the core of ethics is to treat all persons—or, in Joel Marks’s view, all living beings—as ends-in-themselves. The consequentialist criterion would seem to permit, indeed require, violating the dignity of persons (not to mention the dignity of other animals) if this would result in a better outcome. This volume treats the consequentialist challenge to Kantian ethics in several novel ways. To begin with, the utilitarian version of consequentialism is delineated and defended by means of a conceptual device dubbed by the author as the Consequentialist Continuum. Marks then provides an exhaustive and definitive exposition of the relatively neglected Epistemic Objection to utilitarianism. While acknowledging the intuitive appeal of utilitarianism’s core conviction—that we should always do what is for the best—Marks argues that this is an impossible injunction to fulfill, or even to attempt to fulfill, because all of the relevant results of our actions can never be known. Kantianism is then introduced as a viable alternative account of our ethical obligations. Marks argues that Kantianism is well within the scope of normal human competence and conforms equally well to our ethical intuitions once the theory’s proper interpretation is appreciated. However, Kant’s own version must be extended to accommodate the rightful moral consideration we owe to nonhuman animals. Finally, Marks employs the notion of a Consequentialist Illusion to explain utilitarianism’s hold on our moral intuitions, while developing a form of Consequentialist Kantianism to address them. An original and penetrating examination of a central debate

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 Introduction Chapter 3 Chapter 1. Ethical Egoism Chapter 4 Chapter 2. The Consequentialist Continuum Chapter 5 Chapter 3. Let Us Boldly Go: The Case for Utilitarianism Chapter 6 Chapter 4. Refutation of Consequentialism Chapter 7 Chapter 5. Nonconsequentialism and the Consequentialist Critique Chapter 8 Chapter 6. The Ethics of Ethics Chapter 9 Appendix I. What are we talking about? (What is ethics?) Chapter 10 Appendix II. A simple theory (What is theory?) Chapter 11 Appendix III. Animal ethics Chapter 12 Glossary

About the Author :
Joel Marks is professor emeritus of philosophy at the University of New Haven.

Review :
Marks offers an informed critical assessment of major alternatives in ethical theory as well as a spirited defense of Kant's position. A welcome addition to the field. This book provides a lively and interesting case for Kant's ethics. It also breaks ground in its offer of an amendment to justify moral regard for animals.