Ep. 363: Franz Brentano's Moral Epistemology (Part Two)
Mar 24, 2025
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Dive into the moral philosophies of Franz Brentano, unpacking how we determine right from wrong. The conversation examines the relationship between emotional states and moral choices, questioning whether pleasure can truly be the ultimate moral guide. Delve into the complexities of moral love, exploring how societal norms shape our desires and judgments. The critique of utilitarianism highlights the balance between personal preferences and the common good, inviting reflection on virtues like love and self-sacrifice in ethical decision-making.
Moral actions are determined by the alignment of means with ultimate ends, emphasizing the importance of choosing appropriate goals for ethical behavior.
Ethical decisions must prioritize the common good, advocating for social cooperation and the establishment of laws that protect community welfare.
Deep dives
Understanding Moral Actions Through Will
Moral actions are deeply connected to the will and the ends that individuals pursue. When making choices, what is deemed as right or wrong is often determined by how well the means align with the ultimate ends one aims to achieve. For instance, if the goal is to satisfy hunger, then accessing food serves as a valid means to that end. However, this chain of reasoning eventually leads to an ultimate goal that is sought for its own sake, such as flourishing or happiness, beyond which individuals may struggle to justify their actions.
Ethics as a Choice of Ends
The ethical discourse shifts from merely identifying right actions to understanding how to choose appropriate ends. The emphasis lies not in being a good person but in making choices that correctly align with ultimate goals. When one selects the right ends, the manner of acting follows suit, leading to ethically sound actions. This reorientation of moral philosophy advocates that ethical decisions stem from the quality of the ends chosen and not solely from the actions taken.
Pleasure as an Ethical Criterion
The podcast explores the criterion of pleasure in deciding between different ends, highlighting its limitations. While some suggest that pursuing the greatest pleasure is a valid measure for ethical decisions, this perspective is challenged by the existence of individuals who sacrifice pleasure for their convictions. The conversation further develops around the complexity of defining good, as moral choices often do not yield to simplistic pleasure calculations. It posits that true understanding of good emerges from deeper psychological impressions rather than mere pleasure.
The Common Good and Ethical Society
A significant conclusion drawn is that ethical decisions must be oriented toward the common good, advocating for social cooperation and a structured division of labor. The highest ethical aim is not just personal good but the good of the community as a whole. This collective perspective necessitates the establishment of laws and societal norms that uphold the moral fabric of the society. Thus, ethical behavior becomes intertwined with legal frameworks, as a means of promoting and protecting the common good, establishing a moral foundation for social cohesion.
Continuing on "The Origin of the Knowledge of Right and Wrong" (1889), getting into how we measure the comparative value of things. While Brentano does observe actual practices in these areas, his phenomenology detects moral facts that can be used to cast judgments of people's actual practices, saving him from relativism.