Philosopher's Zone Judgement and remorse: a conversation with Raimond Gaita
Jul 10, 2025
Join Raimond Gaita, a distinguished moral philosopher and author, as he dives into the complexities of judgment and remorse. He explores whether it's possible to judge without blame and reflects on Socrates' belief about suffering at the hands of others. Gaita shares insights from his personal journey, highlighting how family influences shaped his philosophical outlook. The conversation also challenges conventional views of justice and evil, emphasizing the inherent dignity of individuals and the nuances of genuine remorse in moral understanding.
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Gaita's Path to Philosophy
- Raimond Gaita initially aimed to study psychology to understand his family's madness but shifted to philosophy due to behaviorist reductionism in psychology.
- His early philosophical interest was in the philosophy of mind, especially whether reasons cause actions, which fueled his anti-reductionist stance.
Morality's Unique Ethical Plane
- Gaita distinguishes morality as different and more important than ordinary social rules, emphasizing its ethical nobility.
- He critiques reductionist views that base virtues solely on instrumental value, highlighting virtues' intrinsic nobility.
Injustice Violates Human Dignity
- Injustice’s harm is not only physical pain but a violation of human dignity, a profound moral wrong.
- Belief in inalienable dignity shapes compassion, courage, and moral responses beyond mere factual harm.
