Philosophy Bites Elizabeth Harman on Moral Heroes
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Aug 4, 2024 Elizabeth Harman, a philosopher known for her work on moral reasoning, discusses the concept of moral heroes, those who surpass obligatory actions. She explores the complexities of heroism versus moral obligations and the challenges of personal sacrifice. David Edmonds joins the conversation to navigate the ethics of charitable acts and the moral responsibilities we hold, particularly regarding global needs. They also touch on controversial topics like moral vegetarianism, emphasizing the importance of understanding diverse moral perspectives.
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Moral Heroism
- Morality doesn't always require specific actions, but reasons can still favor certain choices.
- This applies when one option is heroic, suggesting one should sometimes do heroic deeds.
Stew and Migraines
- Harman gives two examples: making stew for a writing friend or prioritizing self-care during an oncoming migraine.
- This illustrates how some supererogatory acts are advisable while others are not.
Supererogatory Actions
- Some actions beyond the call of duty should be done, others shouldn't.
- This contrasts with the standard view of supererogatory actions.