Moral Uncertainty

Moral Uncertainty is a book that discusses how to make decisions in the face of fundamental moral uncertainty. It argues that there are distinctive norms that govern how one ought to make decisions and defends an information-sensitive account of how to make such decisions by developing an analogy between moral uncertainty and social choice.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 10 September 2020
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Moral uncertainty is a common issue that we face daily, as we grapple with the complex interplay of ethical principles and the demands of our lives. We often find ourselves questioning what we ought to do, whether it's weighing the interests of animals against humans, determining the strength of our duties to improve the lives of distant strangers, or contemplating the ethics of bringing new people into existence. Despite the depth of this uncertainty, we still must act. How, then, can we make decisions in the face of such ambiguity?

While economists and philosophers have extensively explored the decision-making process in the face of factual uncertainty, the question of decision-making in the face of fundamental moral uncertainty has largely been neglected. However, a group of philosophers, including William MacAskill, Krister Bykvist, and Toby Ord, have taken up this challenge and presented a compelling argument in their book, Moral Uncertainty.

Moral Uncertainty argues that there are distinctive norms that govern how we ought to make decisions. It presents an information-sensitive account of how to navigate this complex terrain, drawing an analogy between moral uncertainty and social choice. By developing this analogy, the book suggests that the correct way to act in the face of moral uncertainty depends on whether the moral theories in which we have credence are merely ordinal, cardinal, or both cardinal and intertheoretically comparable.

This book tackles the problem of how to make intertheoretical comparisons, discussing potential solutions and the implications of their view for metaethics and practical ethics. It raises important questions about the nature of moral knowledge, the role of evidence in decision-making, and the relationship between moral theories and practical moral dilemmas.

Through their thoughtful and rigorous analysis, MacAskill, Bykvist, and Ord offer a valuable contribution to the field of moral philosophy. Moral Uncertainty provides a framework for navigating the complexities of moral uncertainty and offers practical insights into how we can make decisions that are consistent with our values and beliefs.

This book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in ethical philosophy, decision-making, or the challenges of living a morally responsible life. It offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the topic, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.

In conclusion, Moral Uncertainty is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the complex issue of decision-making in the face of moral uncertainty. By presenting an information-sensitive account of how to make decisions in this challenging terrain, MacAskill, Bykvist, and Ord offer a valuable contribution to the field of moral philosophy. This book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in ethical philosophy, decision-making, or the challenges of living a morally responsible life.

Weight: 398g
Dimension: 144 x 223 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198722274