A Call for a Possible World Argument in Ethics

Borge, Steffen (2000) A Call for a Possible World Argument in Ethics. teorema, XIX (1). pp. 105-117.

[thumbnail of borge.pdf] PDF
borge.pdf

Download (169kB)

Abstract

Ethical theories must be able to deal with not only actual situations, but also counterfactual situations. By applying a possible world argument (PWA) in which we consider a theory's applicability over the space of possible worlds, we see more clearly whether the theory is world-sensitive or not (flexible or nonflexible). In this essay I will argue for the importance of PWA and show, through a case study, how different theories react to PWA. The conclusion will be open-ended: We need to have a clearer picture of moral psychology before we can settle for either a flexible or nonflexible theory in accordance with which we should live.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Ethics; Possible-World; Utilitarism; Virtue; Anscombe G.E.M.; Kant, I.; McDowell J.; Williams B.; Foot, Ph.; Mill J.
Subjects: Philosophie > Philosophische Journale, Kongresse, Vereinigungen > Teorema. Revista internacional de filosofia > Volume XIX (2000)
Philosophie > Philosophische Disziplinen > Angewandte Ethik
Philosophie > Philosophische Disziplinen > Allgemeine Ethik
Depositing User: Wolfgang Heuer
Date Deposited: 06 Dec 2020 13:53
Last Modified: 06 Dec 2020 13:53
URI: http://sammelpunkt.philo.at/id/eprint/2724

Actions (login required)

View Item
View Item