Problems for Moral Debunkers : On the Logic and Limits of Empirically Informed Ethics

Peter Königs

ISBN 10: 3111358453 / ISBN 13: 9783111358451

Published by De Gruyter, Mercury Learning And Information, 2023

About this Item

Druck auf Anfrage Neuware - Printed after ordering - One the most interesting debates in moral philosophy revolves around the significance of empirical moral psychology for moral philosophy. Genealogical arguments that rely on empirical findings about the origins of moral beliefs, so-called debunking arguments, take center stage in this debate. Looking at debunking arguments based on evidence from evolutionary moral psychology, experimental ethics and neuroscience, this book explores what ethicists can learn from the science of morality, and what they cannot. Among other things, the book offers a new take on the deontology/utilitarianism debate, discusses the usefulness of experiments in ethics, investigates whether morality should be thought of as a problem-solving device, shows how debunking arguments can tell us something about the structure of philosophical debate, and argues that debunking arguments lead to both moral and prudential skepticism. Presenting a new picture of the relationship between empirical moral psychology and moral philosophy, this book is essential reading for moral philosophers and moral psychologists alike.

Seller Inventory # 9783111358451

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Problems for Moral Debunkers : On the Logic and Limits of Empirically Informed Ethics
• Publisher: De Gruyter, Mercury Learning And Information
• Publication Date: 2023
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3111358453
• ISBN 13: 9783111358451
• Binding: Taschenbuch
• Condition: Neu

About this title

Synopsis

One the most interesting debates in moral philosophy revolves around the significance of empirical moral psychology for moral philosophy. Genealogical arguments that rely on empirical findings about the origins of moral beliefs, so-called debunking arguments, take center stage in this debate. Looking at debunking arguments based on evidence from evolutionary moral psychology, experimental ethics and neuroscience, this book explores what ethicists can learn from the science of morality, and what they cannot.

Among other things, the book offers a new take on the deontology/utilitarianism debate, discusses the usefulness of experiments in ethics, investigates whether morality should be thought of as a problem-solving device, shows how debunking arguments can tell us something about the structure of philosophical debate, and argues that debunking arguments lead to both moral and prudential skepticism.

Presenting a new picture of the relationship between empirical moral psychology and moral philosophy, this book is essential reading for moral philosophers and moral psychologists alike.

About the Author

Peter Königs, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen.