The metaethical problem
Article Abstract:
Michael Smith's book, 'The Moral Problem,' despite its title, is really focused on solutions to the problem of pure metaethics. Smith's problem is concerned with reconciling three doctrines which include the theories that moral judgments express beliefs, are rationally practical and that moral motivation is based on independent desires. Although the three doctrines are not inconsistent, reconciling all of them poses a problem which Smith solves by proposing that beliefs are expressed about objective matters but whose deployment requires motives.
Publication Name: Ethics
Subject: Philosophy and religion
ISSN: 0014-1704
Year: 1997
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Moral motivation
Article Abstract:
Michael Smith reconciled the practical and intellectual dimensions of morality in his book, 'The Moral Problem.' Smith's theory however, poses some problems since it centered on the moral motivations of moral judgments. His perspective is based on moral, metaethical and philosophical theorizing which may generate different views about ethical naturalism. An externalist interpretation of the practical dimensions of morality is, thus, favored over Smith's theory of moral motivation.
Publication Name: Ethics
Subject: Philosophy and religion
ISSN: 0014-1704
Year: 1997
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Belief, reason, and motivation: Michael Smith's The Moral Problem
Article Abstract:
Michael Smith proposed a solution to the problem of moral theory based on three doctrines in his book, 'The Moral Problem.' A form of moral rationalism, which focused on the analysis of moral rightness, emerged as Smith's solution to the problem of moral theory. Three theoretical propositions were presented to support each of the three doctrines which consist of objectivity thesis, practicality requirement and the Humean belief-desire psychology.
Publication Name: Ethics
Subject: Philosophy and religion
ISSN: 0014-1704
Year: 1997
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