CEU eTD Collection (2014); Paar, Tamas: RESCUING ETHICAL INTUITIONISM FROM DISAGREEMENTS

CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2014
Author Paar, Tamas
Title RESCUING ETHICAL INTUITIONISM FROM DISAGREEMENTS
Summary In the present thesis my purpose is to investigate whether contemporary intuitionism can rebut recent criticism that builds on the phenomenon of moral disagreement. I argue that it can. In chapter one I specify in what sense do I use the terms ‘intuitionism’ and ‘intuition’. In chapter two I describe the intuitionist’s theories of how intuitions are justified. Having presented the intuitionist theory, I turn to the criticisms in chapter three and four. Firstly, I introduce Walter Sinnott-Armstrong’s challenge. He argues that since moral beliefs are often subjects to various defeaters, moral intuitions cannot enjoy the justification that intuitionists claim they do. I point out that Sinnott-Armstrong’s characterization of intuitionism is misleading. I argue that using a more appropriate characterization and the theories about justification that intuitionists put forward his challenge can be answered satisfactorily, and even without these since it cannot fulfil its own requirements. Secondly, I introduce Roger Crisp’s challenge. He argues that in case of peer disagreement regarding a moral belief the believer who does not suspend that particular belief is in error. I argue in the contrary and show that the one who does suspend belief can just as well be in error. In the concluding chapter I summarize the results of my investigations and point out what kind of significance they ascribe to moral disagreement.
Supervisor Andres Moles
Department Philosophy MA
Full texthttps://www.etd.ceu.edu/2014/paar_tamas.pdf

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