Harming others : universal subjectivism and the expanding moral circle

Abstract

Harming Others expounds what the author

calls universal subjectivism, which is a cosmopolitan theory of

political philosophy that deals with global justice, non-human animals

and future generations. Although its main focus is political philosophy, the theory has wide applications to contemporary moral and environmental issues, ranging from environmental degradation to social welfare and gay rights. The book combines Peter Singer__s applied philosophy with John Rawls__ social contract theory. The objective of the theory of universal subjectivism is, in the best tradition of the Enlightenment, to help to make the world a better place. The procedural ethical theory of universal subjectivism can be a tool for improving how to live our lives and how to organize society and the global community, now and in the future. Central to it is an accessible thought experiment, which can expand the moral circle by shedding light on moral blind spots. Universal subjectivism expands Rawls, by using Peter Singer__s thought. In this way, Harming Others could also be seen as contributing to a fuller and more comprehensive Singerian political theory. The theory of universal subjectivism is easy to apply, but difficult to implement (that is the tragedy). Because it is a procedural theory, readers are invited to do their own thinking, and, __miraculously__ attain a degree of consensus.