Does Moral Theory Need the Concept of Society?
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David Copp
Abstract
We have the intuition that the function of morality is to make society possible. That is, the function of morality is to make possible the kind of cooperation and coordination among people that is necessary for societies to exist and to cope with their problems. This intuition is reflected in the 'society centered' moral theory I defended in my book, Morality, Normativity, and Society. The theory is a relativistic version of moral naturalism and moral realism. This paper briefly explains some of the basic ideas of my theory and attempts to answer some of the most common objections. I argue that, despite its relativism, my views allow that certain things are simply wrong to do, without any qualifications, and it allows that members of other societies, non-human animals, and even features of the environment, might have non-derivative moral status.
© 1997 by Lucius & Lucius, Stuttgart
Articles in the same Issue
- Auf der Suche nach dem Gespenst des Ökonomismus
- Kommunikatives Handeln und kooperative Ziele
- Kommunikatives Handeln bei Tuomela
- Does Moral Theory Need the Concept of Society?
- For Society – Against Morality?
- Internationaler Handel, Tauschgerechtigkeit und die globale Rohstoffdividende
- Weltarmut und Ressourcen-Zugang
Articles in the same Issue
- Auf der Suche nach dem Gespenst des Ökonomismus
- Kommunikatives Handeln und kooperative Ziele
- Kommunikatives Handeln bei Tuomela
- Does Moral Theory Need the Concept of Society?
- For Society – Against Morality?
- Internationaler Handel, Tauschgerechtigkeit und die globale Rohstoffdividende
- Weltarmut und Ressourcen-Zugang
