Dispositional ethical realism
Article Abstract:
Dispositional ethical realism (DER) is a metaethical theory that regards ethical properties as dependent on dispositions to respond which can be discovered empirically and explained reductively. The theory emphasizes the role of moral sensibility formed by dispositions in determining moral judgments. DER is attractive because it explains the use of thought experiments to track dispositions, is compatible with scientific ontology and falls in between extremes of objectivism and subjectivism. Objections to dispositionalism raised by Crispin Wright, Allan Gibbard and Mark Johnston do not apply to DER.
Publication Name: Ethics
Subject: Philosophy and religion
ISSN: 0014-1704
Year: 1993
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Cultural context and moral responsibility
Article Abstract:
The analysis that ignorance is a precursor to the advancement of moral knowledge was discussed by Michele Moody-Adams and Cheshire Calhoun. However, both acknowledged that cultural and normative systems inhibit the possibility of the former relationship, and its imminent correlation with the theory that moral ignorance negates responsibility. Furthermore, the widespread prevalence of moral ignorance within a society was found to curtail the responsibility of individuals.
Publication Name: Ethics
Subject: Philosophy and religion
ISSN: 0014-1704
Year: 1997
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Strawson's way of naturalizing responsibility
Article Abstract:
The pessimist argues that if determinism is true, then the concept of moral responsibility must be abandoned. P.F. Strawson proposes a naturalistic counter argument that moral responsibility is a given in human nature that cannot be abandoned. This argument depends on the claim that responsibility is derived from emotional reactions that do not require justification. However, Strawson's position does not allow for the rational control of inappropriate reactions.
Publication Name: Ethics
Subject: Philosophy and religion
ISSN: 0014-1704
Year: 1992
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