The Demands of Consequentialism [Paperback]

Tim Mulgan presents a penetrating examination of consequentialism, the theory that human behavior must be judged in terms of the goodness or badness of its consequences. The problem with consequentialism is that it seems unreasonably demanding, as leaving the agent no room for our own aims and interests. In response, Mulgan offers his own version of consequentialism, one that we can live with.

1.1 Simple ConsequentialismIntroduction
2. Options for Consequentialism
3.2 Collective ConsequentialismRule Consequentialism
4. Other Forms of Collective Consequentialism
5.3 Individual ConsequentialismSub-Maximizing Consequentialism
6. Hybrid Moral Theories
7.4 Combined ConsequentialismTwo Moral Realms
8. The Morality of Reciprocity
9. The Morality of Necessity
10. The New Theory
AppendixProof for Chapter 6
Bibliography, Index

Tim Mulgan's fine book is a powerful and impressive attempt to find a version of consequentialism that deals adequately with the Demandingness Objection. It will surely become a standard work of reference on the subject, and deservedly so. I have learned a great deal from studying it. --Timothy Chappell,Mind

Mulgan's discussion of these theories advances significantly beyond all previous discussions...The resulting theory constitutes a major innovation in contemporary moral theory. Many will think Mulgan's theory the best account yet of duties towards the needy. In any case, it is a strikingly impressive achievement...Until a clearly superior theory is developed, everyone interested in normative moral theory must read this book. --Brad Hooker,Philosophy

The Demands of Consequentialismis a very interesting book, devoted to a no less fascinating problem. If you have ever found yourself wondering whether you should, for instance, spend money on the trip of your life, or insteadlc¶