History of Ethics: Central Questions in Modern Ethical Theory

Hobbes marks the beginning of a period of intensive discussion and debate among moral philosophers writing (mainly) in English. His successors argue about questions that are still among the primary questions in ethical theory: 1. The nature of moral judgments: metaphysical questions. When we say, and sometimes claim to know, that an action is right, or a person is good, what sort of judgment is this? We often say they are true or false, but are we entitled to say so? If they are true, what sort of fact about the objective world makes them true? If no fact about the objective world makes them true, then what makes them true? 2. Moral knowledge: epistemological questions. If we sometimes know that a moral judgment is true or false, how do we know? Can we rely on anything analogous to perception (a moral sense)? What is the role of reason in moral judgments?3. The practical function of moral judgments. Moral judgments are practical, in so far as we make them with the intention of guiding our own action, when we try to make our mind up about the right thing to do, or of guiding other people's action, when we offer advice or criticism. Moreover, they engage our feelings, emotions, affections, and sentiments, not simply our rational capacities. What difference should this function of moral judgments make to our answers to the previous two questions? 4. The content of morality: normative questions. (1) Can we derive the whole content of morality from enlightened self-interest? Are the principles underlying rational prudence the only ones we need if we are to understand morality? (2) Can we derive morality from benevolence, understanding moral principles as simply the product of this sentiment? (3) Can we take moral principles to be various ways of promoting utility - the maximum happiness of all those affected by an action? 5. The justification of morality. Why should we care about morality? We might appeal to (1) self-interest; (2) sentiments, especially sympathy; (3) rational principles. We will discuss (1) The modification and elaboration of Hobbes's account of morality by Hume. (2) The alternative to Hobbes that is developed by Butler, Price, and Reid. (3) Kant's response to this debate among his predecessors.(4) Sidgwick's attempt to reconcile elements of these different views.This course begins on January 28, and ends on March 13. May be repeated for credit. 2 unit option available only to PhD students beyond the second year. Undergraduates wishing to take this course must have taken a previous Philosophy course and have the permission of the instructor.