Abstract
Archie Bahm argued recently that there is a gap between theoretical and applied ethics, and that those working in applied ethics must assume the burden of bridging it. Evidence of a gap is considerable, but it seems also partly due to much ethical theory having relatively little to offer to those grappling with practical moral problems. Some aspects of utilitarian theory are examined in this connection. Finally it is suggested that other areas of theory developing new models of man may partly bridge the gap and aid those dealing with problems of moral decision-making.
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Additional information
John Hoaglund is Professor of Philosophy at Christopher Newport College. He is at present Chairman of Philosophy. He was formerly Lecturer at the Free University of Berlin. He is Fulbright Fellow, University of Bergen, Norway, 1980. He is the author of: ‘The Voluntary One-Parent Family’, in A. C. Cafagna et al. (eds.), Philosophy, Children, and the Family, New York, 1982, pp. 43–50 and published several articles on aesthetics in Journal of Aesthetic Education, British Journal of Aesthetics, Zeitschrift für Aesthetik and Allgemeine Kunstkritik, and Studia Estetyczne.
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Hoaglund, J. Ethical theory and practice: Is there a gap?. J Bus Ethics 3, 201–205 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00382920
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00382920