PHI-10 Lecture Notes - Lecture 26: Relativism
Document Summary
Defining features of morality: normative: it"s about rules, norms, gives guidance of action, categorical: moral norms (when true) apply regardless of desire / attitude, special reactions are justified, such as blame and punishment. Most people want to live morally good or decent lives. Actions: something we do on purpose on the basis of decision. Reasons: beliefs; principle; values decision action good life. Hypothesis: by finding better reason, we can live better lives. Philosophers try to identify good moral reasons by using argument. Argument: set of sentences, some of which, the premises are designed to support another the conclusion. Conclusion: the claim the author is trying to establish. Premises: the reasons or evidence the author provides in support of the conclusion. The idea: offer evidence that is so strong, it rationally forces your reader to accept the conclusion. This fact depends on our beliefs and customs & change beliefs / customs, the fact changes as well: the earth is round.
