Three Fault Lines in Ethics When classifying moral theories, which categories are most fundamental? A traditional answer to this question divides moral theories into consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics. However, I argue that this division is non-exclusive, non-exhaustive, and unhelpful because it conflates different areas of concern in moral theorizing. I then suggest that there are three fundamental distinctions (or fault lines) we should use to classify moral theories. They are the relative/neutral fault line, the normative priority fault line, and the value-maximizing/non-maximizing fault line. Each of these fault lines is logically independent of the others, and each reflects a different area of concern in moral theory. Furthermore, thinking of moral theories in terms of these fault lines can help us to clarify old debates (e.g. between utilitarians and Kantians), see new theoretical possibilities, and make progress in comparative ethics.
When
Thu Jul 5, 2018 5am – 6:30am Coordinated Universal Time
Where
University of Sydney, philosophy common room (map)
