Marshall Bierson

Prof. Marshall Bierson, an ethics expert at the Catholic University of America, explores Elizabeth Anscombe’s moral absolutism. He argues that philosophical questions can often be grammatically confused, which obscures the nature of moral absolutes. Bierson highlights the tension between consequentialism and absolutism, using examples like the Trolley Problem and chess rules to illustrate his points. He emphasizes Anscombe’s distinction between reasons and logoi, revealing how moral language shapes our understanding of constraints and justifications.

Marshall Bierson, a philosophy professor with a keen interest in ethics and personal nature, dives into the moral complexities of theft and property rights influenced by Aquinas and Anscombe. He argues that in extreme situations, taking from others may not always be theft, opening up a nuanced discussion on moral absolutism. Bierson also examines Aquinas's views on wealth distribution, emphasizing the obligation of the affluent to assist the needy, challenging listeners to reconsider their perceptions of justice and ownership.