Abstract

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The Social Enforcement of Morality

William A. Edmundson
Georgia State University

July 17, 2003

Abstract:
Morality is often depicted as a structure consisting of two concentric spheres: an outer sphere and an inner. The outer sphere is composed of moral requirements whose violation exposes the actor to some permissible social sanction. The inner sphere, in contrast, is composed of moral requirements whose violation is no one else's business, and which are exposed to no permissible sanction at all, other than those brought to bear by the actor's conscience or with the actor's consent. This work-in-progress examines and repudiates this seductive picture.

JEL Classifications: K42, Z13

Working Paper Series

Date posted: January 10, 2000 ; Last revised: September 09, 2008

Suggested Citation

Edmundson, William A., The Social Enforcement of Morality (July 17, 2003). Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=193172 or doi:10.2139/ssrn.193172

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Contact Information

William A. Edmundson (Contact Author)

Georgia State University ( email )

P.O. Box 4037
Urban Life Building, Room 402 140 Decatur Street
Atlanta, GA 30302-4037
United States
404-413-9167 (Phone)
404-413-9225 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://law.gsu.edu/wedmundson/