Edinburgh University Press
Thomas Reid and the Defence of Duty
About this book
Is morality a subjective matter, dependent on our desires and interests, or are there objective moral truths? And if the latter, can we explain the objectivity of morality without appeal to metaphysics, a robust teleology or divine command?
This book argues that we find just such an account of moral objectivity in Thomas Reid’s Defence of Duty. To make this case, the book provides an explanation of Reid’s way of philosophy and his reasons for rejecting moral subjectivism; presents Reid’s account of the concept, perception, and motivational force of duty; and responds to contemporary challenges of moral subjectivism and moral pessimism from the perspective of his moral philosophy. Further, this book argues that if Reid is correct, then there is an urgent need to reform current pedagogical practice and return to the teaching of practical ethics.
Topics
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Frontmatter
i -
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Contents
v -
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Series Editor’s Introduction
vi -
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Preface
vii - Part I Reid’s Rejection of Moral Subjectivism
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1 Reid’s Way of Philosophy
3 -
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2 Reid, Perception and Common Sense
27 -
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3 Reid’s Arguments against Moral Subjectivism
53 - Part II Reid’s Account of Duty
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4 Defining Duty
75 -
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5 Moral Perception
97 -
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6 Moral Motivation
117 - Part III Objections to Reid’s Account
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7 The Argument from Strangeness
139 -
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8 The Argument from Relativity
156 -
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9 The Argument from Interminability
169 -
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Conclusion: The Practical Implications of Reid’s Defence of Duty
191 -
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Works Cited
195 -
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Index
203
