Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 107 | Russ Shafer-Landau on the Reality of Morality
Jul 27, 2020
Russ Shafer-Landau, a Professor of Philosophy at UW-Madison and a leading voice on moral realism, dives deep into the essence of morality. He discusses the disagreements surrounding moral truths and the reasons we should embrace objective ethics. The conversation tackles the clashes between moral realism, nihilism, and constructivism, while also addressing how culture shapes our moral views. Ultimately, they explore the intersection of morality and physics, questioning if scientific understandings can fully encapsulate moral beliefs.
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Metaethics Overview
- Metaethics explores the nature of moral reality and judgments, not specific right or wrong actions.
- It branches into nihilism, constructivism, and realism.
Realism Without Theism
- Moral realism doesn't necessitate a belief in God.
- Non-naturalist realism supports objective morality without divine command.
Authority in Morality
- Russ Shafer-Landau rejects constructivism because individuals lack the authority to define morality.
- Even collective agreement doesn't grant moral authority due to inherent human fallibility.
