Thomas Reid and the Defence of Duty (Edinburgh Studies in Scottish Philosophy)

Foster, James

Edinburgh University Press（2025/12発売）

Edinburgh University Press（2025/12発売）

• 製本 Paperback:紙装版/ペーパーバック版／ページ数 224 p.
• 言語 ENG
• 商品コード 9781474455350
• DDC分類 192

Full Description

Is morality a subjective matter, dependent on our desires and interests, or are there objective moral truths? And if the latter, can we explain the objectivity of morality without appeal to metaphysics, a robust teleology or divine command?
This book argues that we find just such an account of moral objectivity in Thomas Reid's Defence of Duty. To make this case, the book provides an explanation of Reid's way of philosophy and his reasons for rejecting moral subjectivism; presents Reid's account of the concept, perception, and motivational force of duty; and responds to contemporary challenges of moral subjectivism and moral pessimism from the perspective of his moral philosophy. Further, this book argues that if Reid is correct, then there is an urgent need to reform current pedagogical practice and return to the teaching of practical ethics.

Contents

PrefaceSeries Editor's Introduction

Part I: Reid's Rejection of Moral Subjectivism

Chapter 1. Reid's Way of Philosophy

Chapter 2. Reid, Perception and Common Sense

Chapter 3. Reid's Arguments against Moral Subjectivity

Part II: Reid's Account of Duty

Chapter 4. Defining Duty

Chapter 5. Moral Perception

Chapter 6. Moral Motivation

Part III: Objections to Reid's Account

Chapter 7. The Argument from Strangeness

Chapter 8. The Argument from Relativity

Chapter 9. The Argument from Interminability

Conclusion: The Practical Implications of Reid's Defence of DutyWorks CitedIndex