The Right and the Good

The Right and the Good, published in 1930 by Scottish philosopher David Ross, presents a systematic examination of moral philosophy and ethical theory. The work establishes a deontological pluralism based on prima facie duties, while defending moral realism and ethical intuitionism. Ross distinguishes between rightness as a property of actions and goodness as a quality that can belong to various things. His framework outlines specific prima facie duties, such as keeping promises and avoiding harm, while also exploring intrinsic values like pleasure, knowledge, virtue, and justice. Ross critiques other major ethical theories, including G.E. Moore's ideal utilitarianism and Kant's deontological framework. He argues that moral truths and duties exist independently of human perception, comparing their reality to mathematical or geometric axioms. This foundational text in 20th-century moral philosophy examines the relationship between right action and moral goodness, offering a nuanced perspective on how ethical principles operate in practice and theory.

Readers highlight Ross's clear writing style and systematic approach to moral philosophy. The book resonates with those seeking a middle ground between absolute rules and situational ethics. Liked: - Clear explanation of prima facie duties - Practical examples that illustrate moral concepts - Balance between intuition and rationality in ethics - Detailed analysis of promise-keeping and moral obligations Disliked: - Dense academic language in some sections - Lack of concrete resolution for conflicting duties - Limited discussion of real-world applications - Some readers find the intuitionist foundation unconvincing Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (186 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (12 ratings) One philosophy student on Goodreads notes: "Ross provides a framework for understanding moral obligations without oversimplifying complex ethical decisions." A critical review on Amazon states: "The text assumes too much prior knowledge of philosophical concepts and could be more accessible to general readers."

Principia Ethica by G. E. Moore Moore's systematic analysis of ethical concepts and defense of moral realism provides philosophical foundations that parallel Ross's work on fundamental moral truths.

Methods of Ethics by Henry Sidgwick Sidgwick's examination of competing ethical frameworks and careful analysis of moral intuitions creates groundwork for the type of systematic ethical investigation Ross undertakes.

The Foundations of Ethics by H.A. Prichard Prichard's defense of ethical intuitionism and critique of moral theories bears direct connections to Ross's philosophical approach to understanding basic moral duties.

Ethics: Inventing Right and Wrong by J. L. Mackie Mackie's critical examination of moral realism and objective values presents essential counterarguments to Ross's ethical framework.

Value and Obligation by Richard B. Brandt Brandt's analysis of moral obligation and ethical theory provides systematic treatment of themes central to Ross's work on prima facie duties and moral goodness.

🔹 Ross developed his ethical theory largely in response to G.E. Moore's utilitarianism and Kant's categorical imperative, offering a middle ground that many philosophers consider more practical for real-world ethical decisions 🔹 The term "prima facie duties" introduced by Ross has become a cornerstone concept in modern medical ethics and business ethics, helping professionals balance competing obligations 🔹 The book was published in 1930 while Ross was serving as Provost of Oriel College, Oxford, during which time he also completed his influential translations of Aristotle's works 🔹 Despite being written nearly a century ago, The Right and the Good continues to influence contemporary debates about moral particularism and the role of intuition in ethical reasoning 🔹 Ross's theory identifies seven basic prima facie duties: fidelity, reparation, gratitude, justice, beneficence, self-improvement, and non-maleficence - a framework still taught in many ethics courses today