The Right and the Good
The Right and the Good (1930) by W.D. Ross defends ethical pluralism: morality is governed by several prima facie duties, with no single master rule.
Core Idea
Ross rejects both Kantian absolutism and utilitarian monism. We have multiple self-evident duties — fidelity, reparation, gratitude, justice, beneficence, self-improvement, non-maleficence — each binding “other things equal.” When they conflict, no formula resolves it; judgment must weigh which duty is most stringent in the situation.
Why It Matters for Critical Thinking
A realistic model of decision-making under genuine value conflict: it legitimizes holding multiple valid considerations at once and exercising practical judgment rather than forcing every dilemma through one overarching rule.