The Good Will: A Study in the Coherence Theory of Goodness

By Herbert James Paton

"The Good Will: A Study in the Coherence Theory of Goodness" is an analytical exploration into the foundations of moral philosophy, authored by the distinguished scholar H. J. Paton. This work investigates the nature of goodness not as a series of disconnected imperatives, but as a systematic and coherent structure that gives meaning to human action and purpose. Paton meticulously examines the relationship between the individual will and the objective framework of moral reality, providing a rigorous defense of the coherence theory within the context of early 20th-century ethical thought.

Throughout the study, the author addresses the complexities of ethical judgment and the internal logic of the "good life." By analyzing how various values and duties relate to one another, Paton seeks to establish a unified framework for understanding moral obligation and the pursuit of virtue. The text serves as an important bridge between traditional Kantian ethics and the development of modern moral theory, reflecting the intellectual depth of British Idealism. Ideal for students and scholars of philosophy, "The Good Will" remains a significant contribution to the study of value theory and the philosophical underpinnings of human conduct.

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 102568687X
• ISBN13: 9781025686875
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 456 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 9.2"