Freedom, Resentment, and the Metaphysics of Morals

Pamela Hieronymi's book "Freedom, Resentment, and the Metaphysics of Morals" reexamines P. F. Strawson's influential "Freedom and Resentment" paper, arguing that his argument has been underestimated and misunderstood. She concludes that Strawson's argument rests on an implicit metaphysics of morals grounded in "social naturalism" and defends this naturalistic picture against objections. The book also features the complete text of Strawsons paper.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 17 May 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press

P. F. Strawson, a prominent philosopher of the 20th century, left an indelible mark on modern moral philosophy with his seminal paper "Freedom and Resentment" published in 1962. This paper sparked responses across various disciplines, ranging from psychology to sociology, highlighting its profound influence. In her book "Freedom, Resentment, and the Metaphysics of Morals," Pamela Hieronymi undertakes a comprehensive reevaluation of Strawson's ideas, challenging the notion that his argument has been underestimated and misunderstood.

Hieronymi delves into the intricate threads of Strawson's philosophy, meticulously unraveling his conception of moral responsibility and his distinction between "reactive" and "objective" responses to the actions and attitudes of others. She then turns her attention to the central argument of Strawson's paper, which posits that determinism, a universal thesis applicable to everyone at all times, does not undermine moral responsibility. Hieronymi identifies two common interpretations of this argument, the "simple Humean interpretation" and the "broadly Wittgensteinian interpretation," and argues that both fail to fully grasp the essence of Strawson's position.

Drawing on Strawson's extensive work in logic, philosophy of language, and metaphysics, Hieronymi develops a novel interpretation of his argument. She reveals that it rests on an implicit metaphysics of morals, grounded in Strawson's "social naturalism." In the final chapter, Hieronymi defends this naturalistic picture against objections, presenting a compelling case for its validity.

"Freedom, Resentment, and the Metaphysics of Morals" is a rigorous, concise, and insightful work that sheds new light on Strawson's thinking and has profound implications for future work on free will, moral responsibility, and metaethics. The book also includes the complete text of Strawson's "Freedom and Resentment," allowing readers to engage directly with the original source material.

In conclusion, "Freedom, Resentment, and the Metaphysics of Morals" is a must-read for anyone interested in philosophy, moral psychology, or social philosophy. Pamela Hieronymi's meticulous analysis and insightful interpretation of Strawson's ideas offer a fresh perspective on an influential paper that continues to shape our understanding of moral responsibility and our relationship with others.

Weight: 232g
Dimension: 139 x 217 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691233970