A Framework for the Good

"Philosophy in the analytic tradition has long needed a phenomenology for ethics. This book meets the need with an original framework for ethics that aims to be Christian. Contending that only pleasurable mental states have intrinsic value, Kevin Kinghorn advocates for objectivity in matters of goodness and badness but not in matters of rightness and wrongness. He makes illuminating use of the ideas of 'feeling tones' and 'feeling connected to others' to elaborate his phenomenology for ethical relationships. The result is a novel and clarifying treatment of foundational ethical issues with special attention to Christian ethics. Overall, this is a very important contribution to the field of philosophical ethics." —Paul K. Moser, Loyola University Chicago

"This is a terrific work, in many respects. It is ambitious, clear, engaging, and energetic. The better part of the second half of the book makes some original, positive moves in thinking about values from the standpoint of Christian theism. The material is nuanced and well illustrated with analogies and thought experiments. The first half also displays creativity and ingenuity." —Charles Taliaferro, St. Olaf College

“A lucidly written, cogent argument for a bold and original thesis well worth the reader’s serious consideration—a proposal not responsibly ignored. Highly recommended.” —David Baggett, co-author of God and Cosmos: Moral Truth and Human Meaning

"A Framework for the Good is a creative and intriguing book. It challenges certain familiar conceptions of the good and the good life while striving to remain faithful to biblical—and specifically Trinitarian—categories. And even if some readers do not agree with Kinghorn’s arguments or certain starting assumptions, their horizons will be expanded and their moral thinking benefited by this bold work." —Paul Copan, Professor and Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics at Palm Beach Atlantic University

“Like David Baggett and Jerry Wells . . . and others, Kinghorn . . . seeks to provide a philosophical treatment of morality that takes Christian theology seriously. Recommended.” —Choice

“[Kinghorn’s] writing is scholarly, and this book seems to grow naturally out of his previous work. It does, however, stand on its own as an insightful contribution to the long philosophical heritage of examining what the truly good life is. Highly recommended for university and seminary libraries.” —Catholic Library World

Kevin Kinghorn is professor of philosophy and religion at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is author of The Decision of Faith: Can Christian Beliefs Be Freely Chosen?