Normativity, Rationality and Reasoning: Selected Essays

This volume is a collection of Broome's recent papers on normativity, rationality, and reasoning, covering topics such as the meanings of ought, reason, and reasons, the fundamental structure of normativity, rational motivation, and the nature of preferences and reasoning with them. It extends the work presented in his book Rationality Through Reasoning and answers some questions that the book left unanswered.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 224 pages
\n Publication date: 30 September 2021
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press
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This comprehensive volume presents a collection of recent papers by Broome, delving into profound and intricate themes related to normativity, rationality, and reasoning. Spanning a wide range of topics, these papers explore the core concepts of ought, reason, and reasons, shedding light on their meanings, fundamental structures, and metaphysical implications. They delve into the ownership of oughts and reasons, examining whether they are agent-relative or universal. The distinction between rationality and normativity is scrutinized, as well as the notion of rational motivation. The authors examine the human activity of reasoning, exploring what distinguishes it from other cognitive processes and the role that normativity plays within it. They also explore the nature of preferences and reasoning with preferences, shedding light on the underlying principles and mechanisms that guide our decision-making. Additionally, these papers extend the insights presented in Broome's earlier work, Rationality Through Reasoning, while offering fresh perspectives and addressing some questions that remained unanswered in that book. Through their rigorous analysis and thoughtful discussions, these papers contribute to our understanding of the complex interplay between normativity, rationality, and reasoning, providing valuable insights for scholars and researchers in the fields of philosophy, logic, and cognitive science.

Introduction:
This volume serves as a remarkable compilation of Broome's latest and most insightful contributions to the fields of normativity, rationality, and reasoning. It offers a diverse range of topics that delve into the core concepts and philosophical implications of these subjects. By presenting a selection of his most recent papers, the book provides readers with a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of Broome's thought on these important topics.

Topics Covered:
The papers in this volume cover a wide array of subjects, each addressing different aspects of normativity, rationality, and reasoning. Some of the key topics explored include:

Meanings of Ought, Reason, and Reasons:
Broome's papers explore the complex meanings of ought, reason, and reasons, examining their philosophical foundations and their role in shaping our moral and ethical judgments. He examines the various interpretations of these concepts and their relationship to one another, shedding light on the philosophical debates surrounding their nature and significance.

Fundamental Structure of Normativity and the Metaphysical Priority of Ought over Reasons:
Broome delves into the fundamental structure of normativity and the metaphysical priority of ought over reasons. He argues that normativity is a fundamental aspect of reality, underlying our moral and ethical commitments and guiding our actions. He explores the metaphysical underpinnings of normativity and its relationship to other philosophical concepts such as value, purpose, and meaning.

Ownership- or Agent-Relativity of Oughts and Reasons:
Broome examines the ownership- or agent-relativity of oughts and reasons, exploring whether they are agent-relative or universal. He argues that oughts and reasons can be both agent-relative and universal, depending on the context and the nature of the agent involved. He explores the implications of this distinction for our understanding of moral responsibility and moral agency.

Distinction between Rationality and Normativity:
Broome distinguishes between rationality and normativity, exploring the relationship between these two concepts and their respective roles in shaping our moral and ethical judgments. He argues that rationality is a necessary condition for normativity, but not sufficient, as it can lead to irrational or immoral actions. He explores the ways in which rationality can be used to guide our moral and ethical decisions.

Rational Motivation:
Broome examines the notion of rational motivation, exploring what characterizes it and how it can be used to guide our moral and ethical decisions. He argues that rational motivation is based on the pursuit of rational goals and the recognition of the inherent value of rationality. He explores the implications of rational motivation for our understanding of moral agency and moral responsibility.

What Characterizes the Human Activity of Reasoning?
Broome explores what characterizes the human activity of reasoning, examining the cognitive processes and mechanisms that underlie our ability to reason. He argues that reasoning is a complex and multi-faceted process that involves various cognitive abilities such as perception, memory, attention, and problem-solving. He explores the role of reasoning in shaping our moral and ethical judgments and in guiding our actions.

Role of Normativity within the Human Activity of Reasoning:
Broome examines the role of normativity within the human activity of reasoning, exploring how it can be used to guide our moral and ethical decisions. He argues that normativity provides a framework for evaluating our actions and determining their moral and ethical significance. He explores the ways in which normativity can be used to justify and defend our moral and ethical commitments.

Nature of Preferences and Reasoning with Preferences:
Broome examines the nature of preferences and reasoning with preferences, exploring the underlying principles and mechanisms that guide our decision-making processes. He argues that preferences are a fundamental aspect of human psychology and that reasoning with preferences can be used to guide our moral and ethical decisions. He explores the implications of preferences for our understanding of moral agency and moral responsibility.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this volume presents a comprehensive and insightful exploration of normativity, rationality, and reasoning. Broome's papers offer a rich and nuanced understanding of these subjects, shedding light on their core concepts, philosophical foundations, and practical implications. By presenting a selection of his most recent papers, the book provides readers with a valuable resource for further study and reflection. Through their rigorous analysis and thoughtful discussions, these papers contribute to our understanding of the complex interplay between normativity, rationality, and reasoning, providing valuable insights for scholars and researchers in the fields of philosophy, logic, and cognitive science.

\n Weight: 382g\n
Dimension: 142 x 222 x 23 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780198824848\n \n