Pragmatist Quietism: A Meta-Ethical System

Pragmatist Quietism argues that objective ethical truths exist and do not require or admit of a foundation or vindication from outside of ethics. It offers a comprehensive meta-ethical worldview that assimilates normative-ethical inquiry to debates labeled as verbal or non-substantive and adopts pragmatism as an approach to inquiry and explanation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 25 August 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The assertion that there exist objective ethical truths has encountered its fair share of skeptics. Numerous individuals have believed that such truths necessitate an additional ethical foundation or justification, perhaps in metaphysics, language philosophy, or epistemology. They have expressed concerns that no such foundation or vindication exists. Pragmatist Quietism, on the other hand, posits that objective ethical truths indeed exist, and that they neither require nor permit a foundation or vindication from outside the realm of ethics. It is important to note that the notion of an ethical domain detached from the exploration of reality, meaning, and knowledge may initially appear enigmatic. However, this book presents a comprehensive meta-ethical worldview that accommodates this unconventional proposal. The central arguments revolve around two key moves. Firstly, the integration of normative-ethical inquiry into the categories often labeled as merely verbal or non-substantive. Secondly, the adoption of pragmatism, an approach to inquiry and explanation that prioritizes considerations of value rather than seeking to accurately represent the world.

Incorporating normative-ethical inquiry into the realm of debates often characterized as verbal or non-substantive is a significant step. This move challenges the notion that ethical questions are solely linguistic or devoid of substantive content. By recognizing the ethical dimension in various debates, such as those in metaphysics, language philosophy, and epistemology, we can broaden our understanding of ethics and its relationship to other fields of inquiry.

The adoption of pragmatism is another crucial aspect of this meta-ethical worldview. Pragmatism emphasizes the importance of inquiry and explanation guided by considerations of value. It rejects the notion that the sole aim of inquiry should be to correctly represent the world as it is. Instead, pragmatism encourages us to focus on the practical consequences and outcomes of our beliefs and actions. This approach recognizes that values and beliefs play a central role in shaping our understanding and interpretation of the world.

By integrating normative-ethical inquiry into the broader realm of debates and adopting pragmatism as our guiding approach, we can develop a comprehensive meta-ethical worldview that accommodates the notion of objective ethical truths. This worldview provides a framework for understanding ethics in a broader context and enables us to address ethical dilemmas and questions more effectively.

However, it is worth noting that the idea of objective ethical truths may still be controversial and subject to debate. Some may argue that ethical truths are inherently subjective and vary from person to person or culture to culture. Others may question the feasibility of finding universal ethical principles that apply to all situations.

In conclusion, the claim that there are objective ethical truths has attracted its share of doubters. However, Pragmatist Quietism offers a compelling argument that objective ethical truths exist and that they can be understood within a comprehensive meta-ethical worldview. By integrating normative-ethical inquiry into the broader realm of debates and adopting pragmatism as our guiding approach, we can develop a deeper understanding of ethics and its role in shaping our lives and societies. While the idea of objective ethical truths may continue to be controversial, this book provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing discussion and exploration of ethical principles and values.

Weight: 496g
Dimension: 240 x 165 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192856500