About the book
Are morals always relative? Are private actions—among consenting adults—always beyond the law? Or are there some behaviors which so weaken a society that common beliefs about right and wrong must be enforced to protect the common good?In opposing the decriminalization of private acts of homosexuality in Britain, Patrick Devlin maintained that not only is it reasonable to allow popular morality to influence lawmaking, it is imperative: \". . . For a society is not something that is kept together physically; it is held by the invisible bonds of common thought.\"Some sidestep this controversial issue by asserting that the law should not be used to enforce any morality. Others invoke John Stuart Mill's doctrine that the only purpose for laws governing any member of society is to prevent harm to others, chiefly physical harm. But, Devlin argued, while breaches of shared morality do not cause harm to other individuals in the way that murder and assault do, they do harm society by undermining its moral structure. Patrick Devlin (1905-1992) studied history and law at Cambridge University and became a successful lawyer.
Editions of The Enforcement of Morals
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780865978058
Read an Excerpt
Are morals always relative? Are private actions—among consenting adults—always beyond the law? Or are there some behaviors which so weaken a society that common beliefs about right and wrong must be enforced to protect the common good?In opposing the decriminalization of private acts of homosexuality in Britain, Patrick Devlin maintained that not only is it reasonable to allow popular morality to influence lawmaking, it is imperative: \". . . For a society is not something that is kept together physically; it is held by the invisible bonds of common thought.\"Some sidestep this controversial issue by asserting that the law should not be used to enforce any morality. Others invoke John Stuart Mill's doctrine that the only purpose for laws governing any member of society is to prevent harm to others, chiefly physical harm. But, Devlin argued, while breaches of shared morality do not cause harm to other individuals in the way that murder and assault do, they do harm society by undermining its moral structure. Patrick Devlin (1905-1992) studied history and law at Cambridge University and became a successful lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Enforcement of Morals about?
Are morals always relative? Are private actions—among consenting adults—always beyond the law? Or are there some behaviors which so weaken a society that common beliefs about right and wrong must be enforced to protect the common good?In opposing the decriminalization of private acts of homosexuality in Britain, Patrick Devlin maintained that not only is it reasonable to allow popular morality to influence lawmaking, it is imperative: \". . . For a society is not something that is kept together physically; it is held by the invisible bonds of common thought.\"Some sidestep this controversial issue by asserting that the law should not be used to enforce any morality. Others invoke John Stuart Mill's doctrine that the only purpose for laws governing any member of society is to prevent harm to others, chiefly physical harm. But, Devlin argued, while breaches of shared morality do not cause harm to other individuals in the way that murder and assault do, they do harm society by undermining its moral structure. Patrick Devlin (1905-1992) studied history and law at Cambridge University and became a successful lawyer.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Enforcement of Morals?
Philosophy and Religion > Philosophy > Topics in philosophy > Social and political philosophy
Where can I read a sample of The Enforcement of Morals?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780865978058
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Enforcement of Morals?
Patrick Devlin
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Enforcement of Morals is available as paperback(ISBN 9780865978058)