Date of Award
1-1-2014
Language
English
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
College/School/Department
Department of Philosophy
Content Description
1 online resource (iv, 192 pages)
Dissertation/Thesis Chair
Rachel Cohon
Committee Members
Jon Mandle, Jason D'Cruz
Keywords
Humean Theory of Motivation, Metaethics, Moral Psychology, Reasons Internalism, Ethics, Moral motivation, Ethical relativism
Subject Categories
Philosophy
Abstract
In this dissertation I argue that the Humean theory of motivation, and reasons internalism ought to be accepted and are compatible with moral objectivity. The Humean theory of motivation is the view that only desires, and not beliefs, are capable of motivating. Reasons internalism is the view that only those considerations capable of motivating can be reasons. The combination of these two views entails that we only have a reason for action when we have a relevant desire. Accordingly, if we hold both of these positions then we cannot have reason to be moral unless we desire to be moral. This seems to conflict with the idea that morality is objective and applies to everyone.
Recommended Citation
Cross, Elliot, "Motives, reasons, and morality : the Humean theory of motivation, reasons internalism, and the problem of objective morality" (2014). Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024). 1106.
https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/legacy-etd/1106