Altruism, Welfare and the Law

This book is an assault on the notion that it is empirically accurate and legally and philosophically satisfactory to see humans as atomistic entities. It contends that our welfare is inextricably entangled with that of others, and accordingly law and ethics, in determining our best interests, should recognise the central importance of relationality, the performance of obligations, and (even apparently injurious) altruism.

1. Introduction.- 2. Altruism and Community: A Biological and Philosophical History.- 3. Rethinking the Welfare and Best Interest Principles.- 4. What Do the Courts Do?.- 5. Putting it Into Practice.