The Right and the Good - Classic Text | Alexandria
The Right and the Good (1930) is a seminal work in moral philosophy by Scottish philosopher William David Ross (1877-1971), which fundamentally reshaped modern ethical theory through its sophisticated defense of ethical intuitionism and introduction of the concept of prima facie duties. This landmark text challenged the dominant utilitarian and Kantian approaches to ethics, offering a nuanced pluralistic framework that better aligned with everyday moral reasoning.
Published during a period of significant philosophical upheaval, when logical positivism was gaining prominence and traditional moral philosophy faced intense scrutiny, The Right and the Good emerged as a powerful counterpoint to the prevailing trends. Ross, drawing upon his deep knowledge of Aristotelian ethics and his experience as a translator of Aristotle's works, crafted an ethical framework that acknowledged the complexity of moral decision-making while maintaining that objective moral truths are knowable through rational intuition.
The book's most enduring contribution lies in its articulation of seven prima facie duties: fidelity, reparation, gratitude, justice, beneficence, self-improvement, and non-maleficence. Ross argued that these duties are self-evident but can conflict with one another, requiring careful moral judgment to determine which duty takes precedence in specific situations. This revolutionary approach offered a middle ground between rigid absolutism and pure consequentialism, influencing subsequent developments in normative ethics and applied ethics.
Today, The Right and the Good continues to spark debate and inspire new interpretations in moral philosophy. Its influence extends beyond academic philosophy into professional ethics, particularly in medicine and law, where Ross's framework of prima facie duties provides practical guidance for resolving complex ethical dilemmas. The work's lasting relevance raises intriguing questions about the nature of moral knowledge and the possibility of reconciling competing ethical obligations in an increasingly complex world.