Gauthier and the Capacity for Morality |
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Authors: | Testa Georgia |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Philosophy, University College, London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK |
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Abstract: | In Morals by Agreement, David Gauthier tries to provide a justification of morality from morally neutral premises within the constraints of an instrumental
conception of reason. But his reliance on this narrow conception of reason creates problems, for it suggests that moral motivation
is self-interested. However, Gauthier holds that to act morally is to act for the sake of morality and others, not oneself.
An individual who so acts has what he calls an affective capacity for morality. He attempts to reconcile the tension between
the self-interested account of moral behaviour and the affective capacity for morality by showing that the latter could develop
from the former without violating the constraints of instrumental rationality. I argue, first, that his account is incomplete
and assumes what it has to demonstrate; and, second, that this cannot be remedied with any plausibility. Finally, I argue
that Gauthier covertly relies on a substantive claim about human good that is inconsistent with the instrumental conception
of reason.
This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date. |
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Keywords: | contractarianism contractualism Gauthier instrumental rationality moral motivation |
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