A Philosophical Perspective on Folk Moral Objectivism: A Philosophical Perspective

Philosophers have long debated whether morality is objective, but how do lay people think about this matter? A Philosophical Perspective on Folk Moral Objectivism discusses the philosophical aspects of this question in an accessible, integrated, and coherent way. Lay people believe that moral statements only express desires or that their truth is relative to individuals or cultures.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 12 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Philosophers have long debated the concept of moral objectivity, seeking to understand whether there are universal moral principles that apply to all individuals and societies. However, the perspective of lay people on this matter is less well-understood. A Philosophical Perspective on Folk Moral Objectivism aims to bridge this gap by exploring the philosophical aspects of this question in an accessible, integrated, and coherent manner.

In the first part of the book, the author argues that many empirical studies have attempted to measure beliefs about moral objectivity, but have been unsuccessful in fully or exclusively capturing these beliefs. Despite this, there are a few lessons that can be drawn from these studies. Firstly, lay people are not objectivists in the traditional sense. They do not believe that moral statements express absolute truth or that there are universal moral principles that apply to all individuals and societies. Instead, lay people view moral statements as expressing desires or as relative to individuals or cultures.

The second part of the book considers how these empirical findings can be used to assess philosophical theories about moral objectivity. The author suggests that findings about peoples moral objectivity beliefs may challenge traditional objectivism/non-objectivism dichotomies and suggest that the truth of moral matters may lie beyond these frameworks. The book develops a unique perspective on a thriving new area of research, providing valuable insights for upper-level undergraduates, postgraduates, and researchers in moral psychology, theoretical psychology, experimental philosophy, metaethics, and philosophy of the mind.

In conclusion, A Philosophical Perspective on Folk Moral Objectivism offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about moral objectivity. By exploring the perspectives of lay people and considering the implications of empirical findings, the book provides a fresh and insightful perspective on this complex topic. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in moral psychology, theoretical psychology, experimental philosophy, metaethics, and philosophy of the mind.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367539740