Introduction
Philosophy is an intriguing field of study that explores the complexities of life and its moral aspects. One of the most profound moral realists in recent times is Sharon Street, who has made significant contributions to the study of objectivity and ethics. Her work centers on the question of how one can be objective about morality and still believe in its truth. This article delves into Sharon Street’s philosophy on moral realism and explores its depths.
The Basis of Moral Realism
Moral realism is the philosophical belief that moral facts and values exist independently of human opinion and perception. Sharon Street argues for a form of moral realism that is based on the idea that moral facts and values are an ontological part of the natural world. According to her, moral realism requires us to accept that there are objective moral principles in the world that are independent of human beings’ beliefs and opinions.
Evolutionary Debunking Argument
One of the arguments Sharon Street puts forward against moral realism is called the “evolutionary debunking argument.” This argument is based on the idea that our moral beliefs are the result of specific evolutionary processes and that they do not necessarily have any objective truth to them. She argues that this calls into question the objectivity of morality, as our moral beliefs are not necessarily based on objective facts.
Moral Error Theory
Another critique of moral realism that Sharon Street explores is moral error theory. This theory suggests that moral statements are always false because there are no objective moral facts or values. She rejects this view and suggests that moral error theory fails to account for the existence of moral disagreement and moral progress.
Objective and Subjective Moral Facts
Sharon Street’s philosophy on moral realism recognizes the existence of both objective and subjective moral facts. According to her, objective moral facts are facts that are true independently of human beliefs or opinions. They are part of the natural world and can be discovered through scientific inquiry. Subjective moral facts, on the other hand, are based on human beliefs and opinions and are relative to individuals or cultures.
Naturalism and Ethical Concepts
One of the main tenets of Sharon Street’s philosophy is naturalism, which suggests that moral concepts can be derived from the natural world. She argues that moral concepts, such as right and wrong, are not supernatural or metaphysical, but instead are rooted in our evolutionary history and the natural processes that have shaped our moral beliefs.
Non-Cognitivism and Moral Realism
Non-cognitivism is the philosophical view that moral statements do not express factual propositions and cannot, therefore, be true or false. Sharon Street’s philosophy on moral realism acknowledges that non-cognitivism poses a challenge to moral realism, but she argues that it does not refute it entirely. She suggests that non-cognitivism fails to account for the possibility that there are objective moral facts that can be discovered through scientific inquiry.
Objectivity and Moral Motivation
One of the criticisms of moral realism is that it fails to provide a basis for moral motivation. If moral facts exist independently of human beings, why should we be motivated to act on them? Sharon Street suggests that the existence of objective moral facts provides a basis for moral motivation. She argues that recognition of the objective moral value of an action can motivate us to act accordingly.
The Role of Emotions in Moral Realism
Sharon Street’s philosophy on moral realism recognizes the role of emotions in moral reasoning. She suggests that emotions play a crucial role in shaping our moral beliefs and shaping our understanding of moral truths. However, she also argues that moral beliefs cannot be reduced to emotional responses and that there is a difference between expressing a moral emotion and making a moral judgment.
Conclusion
Sharon Street’s philosophy on moral realism is a deep and thought-provoking perspective on the complexities of morality and ethics. Her work challenges us to explore the depths of moral realism and to understand the complex relationship between objective and subjective moral values. By examining her arguments and ideas, we can gain a deeper understanding of the nature of morality and its place in the world.
FAQs
1. What is moral realism?
Moral realism is the philosophical belief that moral facts and values exist independently of human opinion and perception.
2. What is Sharon Street’s critique of moral error theory?
Sharon Street suggests that moral error theory fails to account for the existence of moral disagreement and moral progress.
3. What is naturalism, according to Sharon Street?
Naturalism is the philosophical view that moral concepts can be derived from the natural world.
4. How does Sharon Street suggest that objective moral facts can motivate us?
She argues that recognition of the objective moral value of an action can motivate us to act accordingly.
5. What is the role of emotions in Sharon Street’s philosophy on moral realism?
Sharon Street recognizes the role of emotions in moral reasoning but suggests that moral beliefs cannot be reduced to emotional responses.