Diana Heney - Böcker

One way of understanding the history of moral philosophy is as the collected offerings of thinkers who have studied the terrain around moral problems. Such philosophers have dedicated themselves to the study of central questions of moral life, questions like: How should we live? What motivates people to be or do good? What is it to be good or do good? How does the pursuit of moral goodness contribute to human happiness?This book explores the moral philosophy developed over the span of a hundred years by a group of thinkers united by their methods and their meliorism: the American pragmatists. The overarching thesis is that it is worthwhile to study American ethics, not only to add to one's understanding of the history of moral philosophy, but to add to one's conceptual repertoire for moral life. It has been common for much of the history of Western moral philosophy to be read as if our reference points for thought and action can be reduced to a trio of concepts: virtue, duty, and consequence. The pragmatists offer other choices, including growth, harmony, loyalty, and culture. This volume shows why individual pragmatists argued in favor of these commitments as worthy ones for structuring a life. It also shows how they thought we should move toward our goals, both as individuals and in our communities.

One way of understanding the history of moral philosophy is as the collected offerings of thinkers who have studied the terrain around moral problems. Such philosophers have dedicated themselves to the study of central questions of moral life, questions like: How should we live? What motivates people to be or do good? What is it to be good or do good? How does the pursuit of moral goodness contribute to human happiness?This book explores the moral philosophy developed over the span of a hundred years by a group of thinkers united by their methods and their meliorism: the American pragmatists. The overarching thesis is that it is worthwhile to study American ethics, not only to add to one's understanding of the history of moral philosophy, but to add to one's conceptual repertoire for moral life. It has been common for much of the history of Western moral philosophy to be read as if our reference points for thought and action can be reduced to a trio of concepts: virtue, duty, and consequence. The pragmatists offer other choices, including growth, harmony, loyalty, and culture. This volume shows why individual pragmatists argued in favor of these commitments as worthy ones for structuring a life. It also shows how they thought we should move toward our goals, both as individuals and in our communities.

In our current social landscape, moral questions—about economic disparity, disadvantaging biases, and scarcity—are rightly receiving attention with a sense of urgency. This book argues that classical pragmatism offers a compelling and useful account of our engagement with moral life. The key arguments are first, that a broader reading of the pragmatist tradition than is usually attempted within the context of ethical theory is necessary; and second, that this broad reading offers resources that enable us to move forward in contemporary debates about truth and principles in moral life. The first argument is made by demonstrating that there is an arc of theoretical unity that stretches from two key founders of pragmatism—Charles Sanders Peirce and William James—through the work of John Dewey and Clarence Irving Lewis. The second argument is made by engaging with contemporary debates concerning the truth-status of the judgments and assertions made in ordinary moral discourse, as well as the role and nature of moral principles. Toward a Pragmatist Metaethics will be of interest to scholars of American philosophy, American intellectual history, and moral and political theorists, as well as anyone interested in the contours and demands of shared moral discourse.