The Common Good: Citizenship, Morality, and Self-Interest

In the late 1980s there has been a political battle for the`moral high ground'. The winners appear to be those who claim that the essence of morality is individual choice. One of them, Margaret Thatcher, has even claimed that `there is no such thing as society.' Bill Jordan examines the philosophical and political arguments for social institutions that rely in individual self-interest and personal responsibility. He argues that they must be taken seriously, but that they are ultimately self-defeating. Under modern economic conditions, society becomes divided into two conflicting interest groups, whose members cannot choose to trust and co-operate. The result is a deteriorating quality of life for all. In `The Common Good', he argues that a good society must be built on common interests in good social relations. All must be included in the mutual benefits of the political association, as members of the community. He makes the case for a broader, more rational view of interests and responsibilities than the fashionable moral orthodoxy allows. This text is aimed at students (first year +) in social policy, politics, sociology, philosophy and some general readers.