The concept of moral obligation

the long version

The principal aim of this book is to develop and defend an analysis of the concept of moral obligation. The analysis is neutral regarding competing substantive theories of obligation, whether consequentialist or deontological in character. It seeks to generate new solutions to a range of philosophical problems concerning the concept of obligation and its application. Among the topics treated are deontic paradoxes, the supersession of obligation, conditional obligation, prima facie obligation, actualism and possibilism, dilemmas, supererogation, and cooperation. By virtue of its normative neutrality, the analysis provides a theoretical framework within which competing substantive theories of obligation can be developed and assessed.