This reissue was first published in 1978. Anthony Kenny, one of the most distinguished philosophers in England, explores the notion of responsibility and the precise place of the mental element in criminal actions. Bringing the insights of recent philosophy of mind to bear on contemporary developments in criminal law, he writes with the general reader in mind, no specialist training in philosophy being necessary to appreciate his argument. Kenny shows that abstract distinctions drawn by analytic philosophers are relevant to decisions in matters of life and death, and illustrates the philosophical argument throughout by reference to actual legal cases. The topics he covers are of wide general interest and include: mens rea and mental health, strict liability, freedom and determinism, duress and necessity, intoxication and irresistible impulse, intention and purpose, murder and rape, punishment and deterrence, witchcraft and supernatural beliefs.

Much discussion of morality presupposes that moral judgments are always, at bottom, arbitrary. Moral scepticism, or at least moral relativism, has become common currency among the liberally educated. This remains the case even while political crises become intractable, and it is increasingly apparent that the scope of public policy formulated with no reference to moral justification is extremely limited. The thesis of On Justifying Moral Judgments insists, on the contrary, that rigorous justifications are possible for moral judgments. Crucially, Becker argues for the coordination of the three main approaches to moral theory: axiology, deontology, and agent morality. A pluralistic account of the concept of value is expounded, and a solution to the problem of ultimate justification is suggested. Analyses of valuation, evaluation, the ‘is-ought’ issue, and the concepts of obligation, responsibility and the good person are all incorporated into the main line of argument.

First published in 1907, this text provides a scientific treatment of New England theology and American dogmatic history. Frank Hugh Foster analyses the eighteenth-century rise of the school of New England theology, which became the dominant school of thought in New England congregationalism and, as argued by Foster, a ‘world phenomenon’. The chapters arise from readings of the various distinguished views of such contemporaries as Jonathan Edwards, Joseph Bellamy and Samuel Hopkins, placing them within the historical and theological context in which they developed. A fascinating and detailed title, this reissue will be of value to students of theology and Church history with a particular interest in the development of American religious thought.

Wittgenstein’s philosophical achievement lies in the development of a new philosophical method rather than in the elaboration of a particular philosophical system. Dr Paul Johnston applies this innovative method to the central problems of moral philosophy: whether there can be ‘truth’ in ethics, or what the meaning of objectivity might mean in the context of moral deliberation. Wittgenstein and Moral Philosophy, first published in 1989, represents the first serious and rigorous attempt to apply Wittgenstein’s method to ethics. The conclusions arrived at differ radically from those dominating contemporary ethical discussion, revealing an immense discrepancy between the ethical concepts employed in everyday moral decision-making and the way in which these are discussed by philosophers. Dr Johnston examines ways of eliminating this discrepancy in order to gain a clearer picture of the proper nature of moral claims, and at the same time provides new insights into Wittgenstein’s conception of philosophy.

This updated edition of Seminars in Forensic Psychiatry is an invaluable guide for consultants and specialist trainees working in forensic psychiatry. Written by leading international contributors, topics include models of care, the management of in-patient violence, forensic psychotherapy, and psychological treatments. The evolution of policy and mental health law is discussed, demonstrating how it has shaped the provision of forensic psychiatry services. Legal aspects include considerations of mentalistic defences in criminal law, mental health law, as well as the law on negligence. The book also includes sections on specialist areas of need, including cultural and gender specific needs, terrorism, stalkers, and sex offenders. Woven into the chapters are practical approaches, and 'how to' guides. The volume ends with advice for each of the transitions in the career of a forensic psychiatrist. A truly practical guide, this is a must-read for psychiatrists and mental health professionals working within a forensic setting.

This title, first published in 1973, brings together a variety of papers by Israel Scheffler, one of America’s leading educational philosophers. The essays each stress the importance of critical thought and independent judgement to the organization of educational activities. In the first section, Scheffler adopts a metaphilosophical approach, emphasizing the role of philosophy in educational thought. A number of key concepts are dealt with next, including the study of education and its relation to theoretical disciplines, philosophical interpretations of teaching, and the education of teachers. The final section is critical, and deals with the writings of several key thinkers in the field. A broad and authoritative study, this reissue will provide any Philosophy student with an essential background to the criticism and theories surrounding the philosophy of education.