Moral theories and applied philosophy
This thesis aims to make a critical inquiry into the concept of a moral theory in relation to the ideas of applied ethics and applied philosophy. It defends the general possibility of theories of morality and, in the course of the work, attempts to establish the conditions that such a theory must meet. Particular attention is focused on the ideas of explanation and the contribution of a theory to the criteria for right action. It argues that since moral theories are taken to concern how we should act, anything properly having that title should be determinate of right action. A detailed investigation of the (alleged) principal types of theory leads to the conclusion that, with one exception, these are not actually sources of moral theories at all. It is argued that there are good reasons for rejecting the exception on other grounds. The thesis concludes by looking at the implications of these claims for applied ethics, and tries to outline an account of this form of inquiry in the absence of moral theories. The account is one that may hope to assuage some common misgivings about the subject by exhibiting it as unified with applied philosophy, and philosophy in general.
Upton, H. R.
Moral theories and applied philosophy. This thesis aims to make a critical inquiry into the concept of a moral theory in relation to the ideas of applied ethics and applied philosophy. It defends the general possibility of theories of morality and, in the course of the work, attempts to establish the conditions that such a theory must meet. Particular attention is focused on the ideas of explanation and the contribution of a theory to the criteria for right action. It argues that since moral theories are taken to concern how we should act, anything properly having that title should be determinate of right action. A detailed investigation of the (alleged) principal types of theory leads to the conclusion that, with one exception, these are not actually sources of moral theories at all. It is argued that there are good reasons for rejecting the exception on other grounds. The thesis concludes by looking at the implications of these claims for applied ethics, and tries to outline an account of this form of inquiry in the absence of moral theories. The account is one that may hope to assuage some common misgivings about the subject by exhibiting it as unified with applied philosophy, and philosophy in general.
moral_theory apply philosophy aim_make critical inquiry concept moral_theory relation idea apply ethic applied philosophy defends general possibility theory morality course work attempt_establish condition theory must meet particular_attention focus idea explanation theory criterion right_action argues since moral_theory take concern act anything properly title determinate right_action detail investigation allege principal type theory lead_conclusion exception actually source moral_theory all argued good_reason reject exception ground concludes look implication claim apply ethic try outline account form inquiry absence moral_theory account may hope common subject exhibit unified applied philosophy philosophy general