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Full Idea
Since the 1980s, ethics has witnessed a new sort of moral scepticism, this time about the possibility of moral theories.
Gist of Idea
There is a new sort of moral scepticism, about the possibility of moral theories
Source
Daniel Statman (Introduction to Virtue Ethics [1997], §4)
Book Ref
'Virtue Ethics', ed/tr. Statman,Daniel [Edinburgh 1997], p.16
A Reaction
He cites McDowell, Williams, Nussbaum and Baier as the culprits. 'Particularism' (every situation is different, so there can't be rules) seems an essential part of virtue theory, but total absence of principles sounds to me like moral drift.
| 7093 | Behaviour may be disgusting or inhumane, but violate no duty [Statman] |
| 7095 | Moral education is better by concrete example than abstract principle [Statman] |
| 7094 | Friends express friendship even when no utility is involved [Statman] |
| 7096 | We may still admire a person's character even if the traits are involuntary [Statman] |
| 7098 | There is a new sort of moral scepticism, about the possibility of moral theories [Statman] |
| 7099 | With a broad concept of flourishing, it might be possible without the virtues [Statman] |
| 7100 | Virtue theory isn't a genuine ethical theory, because it doesn't have universal application [Statman] |
| 7102 | Promises create moral duties that have nothing to do with character [Statman] |
| 7103 | Abortion issues focus on the mother's right over her body, and the status of the foetus [Statman] |
| 7104 | The ancients recognised imperfect duties, but we have added perfect duties like justice [Statman] |