Moral Knowledge (Routledge Library Editions: Ethics) - Philosophical

In this review of Moral Knowledge, Alan H. Goldman offers a focused, historically grounded examination of whether moral knowledge exists and how it compares to other forms of knowledge. The book is best for readers who want a careful philosophical treatment rather than quick answers: it traces ideas from Hobbes, Hume and Kant and then tests three contemporary accounts of ethics with clear, sustained argument. For those seeking an introduction that ties history to systematic theory, this work provides a compact, rigorous discussion of moral reasoning and its relation to science and law.

Key Features

• Historical analysis: Goldman uses the ethical theories of Hobbes, Hume and Kant to ground contemporary discussion and show how classical views shape modern debates.
• Comparative approach: The book systematically compares three positions - realism, emotivism and coherentism - to clarify their strengths and weaknesses.
• Legal reasoning model: Coherence is explained using legal reasoning as a model, which helps readers see how moral justification can operate without empirical methods.
• Contrast with science: Moral reasoning is compared and contrasted with scientific and empirical reasoning, illuminating where ethics follows or departs from those disciplines.
• Concise scholarly treatment: Originally published in 1988 and reissued in the Routledge Library Editions series, the book collects focused philosophical argumentation suitable for courses and personal study.

Who It's For

This book is aimed at philosophy students, instructors, and readers who already have some background in ethical theory and want a compact, analytic treatment of whether moral knowledge is possible. It is particularly useful for courses on metaethics or seminars comparing historical and contemporary views.

Readers who prefer introductory overviews, broad popular treatments, or practical how-to guides on moral decision making may find the text dense; those looking for exhaustive empirical studies of moral psychology should look elsewhere.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear linkage of historical sources to modern positions helps make complex arguments accessible to readers familiar with philosophical texts.
• Systematic comparison of realism, emotivism and coherentism provides a usable framework for class discussion or further study.
• Using legal reasoning as a model for coherence offers a concrete example that clarifies an otherwise abstract theory.

Cons

• The book assumes some prior familiarity with ethical theory and may feel terse for complete newcomers.

Specifications

Title	Moral Knowledge (Routledge Library Editions: Ethics)
Author	Alan H. Goldman
Original publication	1988
Focus	Metaethics; realism, emotivism, coherentism
Comparative emphasis	Historical and contemporary analysis including Hobbes, Hume, Kant
Method	Philosophical analysis with legal reasoning model

Our Verdict

For readers with some philosophical background who want a tightly argued study of whether moral knowledge exists, Goldman's Moral Knowledge delivers a disciplined, historically informed comparison of major positions. It is good value for students and instructors seeking a concise text that connects historical thinkers to systematic metaethical debate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the book cover historical philosophers?
Yes. Goldman examines Hobbes, Hume and Kant to show how their ideas inform contemporary accounts of moral knowledge.

Is this a practical guide to moral decision making?
No. The book is an analytic philosophical treatment focused on theory rather than practical ethical advice.

Will this book help in a metaethics course?
Yes. Its systematic comparison of realism, emotivism and coherentism makes it well suited for course reading and seminar discussion.