In this book, Ellis argues that moral and political objectives are not independent of one other, and so must be pursued in tandem. Social humanism is a moral and political philosophy that does just this. As a political philosophy, it justifies the implementation and maintenance of many of the characteristic social policies of welfare states. As a moral philosophy, it provides the foundation required for most human rights legislation.
To this end, Ellis elaborates on the theory of social humanism and the need to reconsider the metaphysical foundations of morals. He develops the theory of social idealism as a meta-theory for both morals and social policy, exploring the global consequences of this new approach.
Introduction Part I: Social Humanism 1. The Ideals of Social Humanism 2. The Humanistic Theory of Social Equality Part II: Causal Realism 3. The Metaphysics of Causal Realism Part III: Social Idealism 4. The Social Theory of Morality 5. Individualism 6. Theory and Method Part IV: Global Humanism 7. A Global Social Contract Conclusion
Biography
Brian Ellis is Professor Emeritus of philosophy at La Trobe University, Australia.
‘Social Humanism: A New Metaphysics by Professor Brian Ellis is a very important book that sets out the secular, metaphysical basis for a social humanism that can advance the well-being of humanity at a social and indeed global level. ...I would urge all thinking people to read this book and tell everyone they can about it.’ – Gideon Polya
