End of Morality: Taking Moral Abolitionism Seriously

Moral error theorists argue that all moral judgments are mistaken because the world lacks the properties and relations necessary for them to be true. Three suggestions for responding to this predicament are to eliminate all talk and thought of morality, to carry on believing it anyway, or to treat morality as a kind of convenient fiction. This book examines the options available to the moral error theorist, including whether it is possible to abolish morality, whether moral values can help resolve conflicts, and whether moral thinking supports or undermines a commitment to feminist goals. It also considers what the world might be like without morality and the harms and benefits of moral thought.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2019
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Inc

The moral error theorist asserts that all moral judgments are erroneous, as the world lacks the necessary properties and relations for them to be true. In this challenging and unsettling predicament, where morality is perceived as a widespread illusion, three distinct approaches emerge: abolitionism, conservationism, and fictionalism. While moral thinking is often valued for its perceived usefulness in motivating cooperative behavior, it can also be harmful, hindering compromise and even fostering support for militaristic propaganda.

This collection of twelve brand new chapters delves into a critical examination of the options available to the moral error theorist. After providing an introduction that outlines the topic, defines key terminology, and offers suggestions for further reading, the chapters address a range of questions. These include whether the motivation of moral concerns leads to elitist, authoritarian, and dishonest societies, whether appeals to moral values are effective in resolving conflicts, the feasibility of abolishing morality from our thinking, the possibility of continuing to believe in morality in everyday contexts, and the potential usefulness of modeling moral discourse on familiar metaphorical language.

The moral error theorist challenges our conventional understanding of morality and raises important questions about the role of moral thinking in our lives. By exploring these options, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and implications of moral error theory and its potential impact on our ethical and social decisions.

Weight: 356g
Dimension: 228 x 167 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780815358602