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In person Talk by Tom Angier (University of Cape Town)
October 28, 2024 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Title: Goodness as Natural Perfection.
Abstract: In this paper I outline Aristotle’s conception of human functioning, which I take to be a viable and illuminating ground for determining human goods. I then look at alternative schemata for the notion of ‘function’ – ones derived from evolutionary theory – and argue that they are not preferable to their Aristotelian rival. I finish the paper by looking at ‘neo-Aristotelian ethical naturalism’, in particular that of Philippa Foot, and argue that it is not Aristotelian enough.
Bio: Tom Angier is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Cape Town. He works on neo-Aristotelian ethical and political theory. He is currently completing a monograph entitled “Human Nature, Human Goods: A Theory of Natural Perfectionism”. It is due to be published by Cambridge University Press in 2025.