Causing Death and Saving Lives

'Glover is a moral philosopher with excellent credentials. This book raises the question, first, whether we can consciously and intentionally create a coherent moral philosophy about killing. In other words, is morality rational? and Is it possible to have a non-contradictory moral philosophy on this question?

Then he discusses how such a philosophy would be grounded. Like, do we object to killing on the basis of "sanctity of life"? on a sense that killing is *always* inherently wrong? on a belief that killing is wrong but can be outweighed by other principles (and if so, what would those principles be?) or on the basis of a general principle that it is better to increase happiness in the world? or on other principles?

Then he applies the question to various issues surrounding killing, ranging from: war, assassination, capital punishment, abortion, contraception, infanticide, euthanasia, suicide, you name it.

It is mind blowing. And engaging. And completely accessible. I STRONGLY recommend it. Not because he tells you what to think, not at ALL. He just describes ways of thinking and then tests them for contradictions and for utility.

And these issues are very important. It's true that most of us don't have to come face to face with many of the practical questions he raises, like for instance, I don't have to myself wonder whether I should be a conscientious objector if drafted to serve in a war. On the other hand, we all hold opinions on all of these questions, and it is good for us, as human beings, to think through all of our opinions to see where they lead and how strongly we hold them.' - Mrs. Danvers

'A very clear and nicely in-depth look at some very important and difficult topics which too often are glossed over and not explored in enough detail. I particularly liked Glover's consistency, his well argued-for position and the fact that he managed to tackle these themes in a way that someone who hadn't studied much philosophy would understand, as the whole thing is remarkably jargon-free. I would say that some of the areas could have been gone into in more depth but I think the book aims for good breadth and a decent overview rather than an exhaustive inquiry into each topic. Plus the book made me think a lot and re-examine some of my own opinions and beliefs, which is much of what I ask from any philosophy book.' - Joe Rowan