Getting Things Right: Fittingness, Reasons, and Value

Fitting attitudes are key to understanding the normative domain, according to Conor McHugh and Jonathan Way. They develop and defend a fittingness first approach, which states that fittingness is a normatively basic property and all other normative properties depend on it. This approach illuminates central questions in ethics and epistemology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 28 October 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Some of our attitudes are appropriate, while others are inappropriate. It seems appropriate to admire Mandela, but not Idi Amin, and to believe that the Seine flows through Paris, but not that the Thames does. Appropriate attitudes lead to accurate outcomes. Conor McHugh and Jonathan Way argue that fittingness is the key to understanding the normative domain, which encompasses reasons, obligations, and value. They develop and defend a novel "fittingness first" approach, which posits that fittingness is a normatively basic property and all other normative properties depend on fittingness. Through this approach, they shed light on fundamental ethical and epistemological questions.

Fitting attitudes are those that align with the truth or reality of a situation. They are based on accurate perceptions and understanding of the facts. In contrast, unfitting attitudes are those that are based on false beliefs, misunderstandings, or biases. Unfitting attitudes can lead to incorrect judgments and actions that can have negative consequences for individuals and society as a whole.

One example of a fitting attitude is admiring Mandela for his contributions to democracy and human rights. Mandela's life and work demonstrate his commitment to social justice and his willingness to stand up against oppression and injustice. Admiring Mandela is a fitting attitude because it recognizes his achievements and the positive impact he has had on the world.

On the other hand, an unfitting attitude would be to admire Idi Amin for his military conquests and human rights abuses. Amin's actions were characterized by violence, brutality, and disregard for human rights. Admiring Amin is an unfitting attitude because it ignores his negative impact on society and the harm he caused to countless individuals.

Fitting attitudes are important because they help us make accurate judgments and take appropriate actions. They enable us to navigate complex social situations and make decisions that are in line with our values and beliefs. In contrast, unfitting attitudes can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and harm.

To develop and maintain fitting attitudes, it is important to cultivate a habit of critical thinking and self-reflection. We should be open to learning and updating our beliefs and attitudes based on new information and experiences. We should also be willing to challenge our own biases and assumptions and seek out diverse perspectives and experiences.

In conclusion, some of our attitudes are appropriate, while others are inappropriate. Fitting attitudes are those that align with the truth or reality of a situation and lead to accurate judgments and actions. Unfitting attitudes are those that are based on false beliefs, misunderstandings, or biases and can lead to incorrect judgments and actions. By developing and maintaining fitting attitudes, we can improve our ability to navigate complex social situations and make decisions that are in line with our values and beliefs.

Weight: 528g
Dimension: 240 x 162 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198810322