This week we are discussing Pamela Hieronymi's ‘Of Metaethics and Motivation: The Appeal of Contractualism’. Here is the abstract: In his 1982 article, T. M. Scanlon noted that, despite the widespread attention to Rawls’ A Theory of Justice, the appeal of contractualism as a moral theory had been under-appreciated. It seems to me that, nearly ... Read more
Title: Two Moralities of Recognition Abstract: According to moralities of recognition, fundamental moral norms are norms for living together. Moral norms explain how living in unity is possible despite being separate individuals, they explain how we can relate to each other as persons that are more than mere sources of benefits and burdens, obstacles and opportunities. ... Read more
We are proud to present the Second Session of CEPPA Film Club. This time we will gather from 4:30pm onwards to watch and discuss Studio Ghibli's absolute classic 'Princess Mononoke' (see trailer here). The movie will start SHARP at 5pm. Please see below for some suggested prereads/prewatches, suggested by Miguel. If you'd like to volunteer ... Read more
Title: Internal Validity, External Validity and the Evaluation of Thought Experiments in Applied Ethics and Political Philosophy Abstract: Thought experiments clearly play a central role in much contemporary ethical theorising. In the recent literature on thought experiments, some commentators (e.g. Wilson 2016; Dowding 2019) have criticised the lack of attention paid by moral philosophers to ... Read more
Title: Happy Immoralists and Satisfied Loners: A Pragmatic Perspective on Disagreement about Well-being Abstract: tbc Location: online & livestreamed from Edgecliffe G03
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 ... Read more
Title: Uncertainty Abstract: Tbc Location: Edgecliffe G03