Practical Conflicts: New Philosophical Essays

Practical conflicts pervade human life. Agents have many different desires, goals, and commitments, all of which can come into conflict with each other. How can practical reasoning help to resolve these practical conflicts? In this collection of new essays a distinguished roster of philosophers analyse the diverse forms of practical conflict. Their aim is to establish an understanding of the sources of these conflicts, to investigate the challenge they pose to an adequate conception of practical reasoning, and to assess the degree to which that challenge can be met. These essays will serve as a major resource for students of philosophy but will also interest students and professionals in related fields of the social sciences such as psychology, political science, sociology and economics.

• Key topic in philosophy • Distinguished contributors including David Velleman, Christine Korsgaard, Henry Richardson, Isaac Levi, Joseph Raz, Alfred Mele and Jon Elster

1. Introduction: varieties of practical conflict and the scope of practical reason Monika Betzler and Peter Baumann; 2. Willing the law J. David Velleman; 3. The myth of egoism Christine M. Korsgaard; 4. Thinking about conflicts of desire Henry S. Richardson; 5. Putting together morality and well-being Ruth Chang; 6. The second worst in practical conflict Isaac Levi; 7. Personal practical conflicts Joseph Raz; 8. Sources of practical conflicts and reasons for regret Monika Betzler; 9. Conflicting values and conflicting virtues Nicholas White; 10. Involvement and detachment: A paradox of practical reason Peter Baumann; 11. Outcomes of internal conflicts in the sphere of akrasia and self-control Alfred R. Mele; 12. Are there insolvable moral conflicts? Peter Schaber; 13. Moral dilemmas of transitional justice Jon Elster; 14. Do conflicts make us free? Barbara Guckes.