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.
Moral heroes act beyond obligation, suggesting individuals should sometimes engage in supererogatory actions based on context and personal capacity.
The distinction between moral obligation and social expectations invites reflection on personal moral choices and the implications of not acting.
Deep dives
Understanding Moral Heroes
Moral heroes are defined as individuals who perform actions that go beyond what is required by morality, yet they should ideally undertake such actions. While morality does not mandate these actions, there are circumstances when individuals realize they should engage in them, suggesting a nuanced moral obligation. For example, cooking a homemade meal for a friend struggling with a deadline can be seen as an action that is not obligatory but nevertheless beneficial and uplifting. In contrast, there are also situations where one may consider performing an altruistic act but shouldn't do so, such as when personal health is compromised.
The Distinction Between Praise and Blame
Individuals can face moral criticism for not performing supererogatory actions, even if they are not blameworthy for failing to do so. For instance, if a person decides not to make a comforting meal for a friend, they might feel that they should have acted, yet their friend would be unreasonable to resent them for it. This highlights the distinction between moral obligation and social expectations, where failing to help does not equate to moral failure but may still prompt reflection on one's choices. Recognizing this difference allows for a more nuanced understanding of personal moral responsibility.
Navigating Moral Choices
Moral decisions are often influenced by context and subtle factors that complicate what one may feel obligated to do. For instance, deciding whether to donate to a charity for famine relief is not purely a matter of obligation but should also account for individual circumstances and capabilities. Perspectives on morality can evolve when people understand that while they may not be required to act, they should consider the moral implications of their choices. This approach encourages individuals to reflect on their respective situations and acknowledge that moral considerations persist even when actions are not mandated.
Moral heroes are usually thought of as people who go beyond what is obligatory. Elizabeth Harman discusses whether sometimes we ought to act as moral heroes. She is in conversation with David Edmonds for this episode of the Philosophy Bites podcast.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode