Tag: Limited Utilitarianism

Jonas Alexis and Jim Fetzer, From Darwin to Deontology, Part II: Abortion, Social Engineering, and the Politics of Life and Death

James Fetzerblog

Jonas E. Alexis and Jim Fetzer   Note to the reader: As previously noted, I (JEA) will begin by presenting my argument, which serves as a response to Fetzer’s points from our initial exchange. Fetzer’s reply will appear below. Part III will constitute the final stage of our discussion and will follow the same format. Should any questions remain unresolved, I have informed Fetzer that we can address them in the comment section. After the third phase, Kevin MacDonald has agreed to join the conversation, and we will continue from that…

Jim Fetzer, Ph.D., Evaluating Moral Theories

James Fetzerblog

Jim Fetzer, Ph.D. Evaluating Moral Theories* ABSTRACT: False beliefs about right and wrong are boundless, where students would benefit from learning that there are objective criteria on the basis of which they can be evaluating, leading to rational conclusions about the nature of morality. The classic Hempelian Criteria of Adequacy for evaluating scientific theories has a parallel by means of counterpart Criteria of Adequacy for evaluating moral theories. Counterpart Criteria are introduced here, where their analytical significance has been exemplified in relation to eight theories of morality, four of which…

Jim Fetzer, The Nature of Immorality

James Fetzerblog

Jim Fetzer Suppose a consortium of powerful interests wanted to replace a president with someone whose policies they preferred–and blame it on a patsy. What’s wrong with that? Or suppose the leaders of a foreign nation orchestrated a terrorist act as a rationale for US forces to take out their enemies—at the expense of 3,000 Americans. What’s wrong with that?  Or suppose a US administration decided to fake a mass elementary school shooting to promote its agenda to undermine the 2nd Amendment. What’s wrong with that? While there’s obviously room for debate about the facts–where…