9/03 Note to readers of
Abstract
In this essay I argue that ordinary moral thought and language is, while very natural, highly counterproductive and that as a result we would be wise to change the way we think and talk about moral matters. First, I argue on metaphysical grounds against moral realism, the view according to which there are first order moral truths. Second, I draw on principles of moral psychology, cognitive science, and evolutionary theory to explain why moral realism appears to be true even though it is not. I then argue, based on the picture of moral psychology developed herein, that realist moral language and thought promotes misunderstanding and exacerbates conflict. I consider a number of standard views concerning the practical implications of moral anti-realism and reject them. I then sketch and defend a set of alternative revisionist proposals for improving moral discourse, chief among them the elimination of realist moral language, especially deontological language, and the promotion of an anti-realist utilitarian framework for discussing moral issues of public concern. I emphasize the importance of revising our moral practices, suggesting that our entrenched modes of moral thought may be responsible for our failure to solve a number of global social problems.
9/03 Note to readers of
Note to readers of The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Truth about Morality and
What to Do About it, Doctoral Dissertation of Joshua D. Greene in the Department of
Philosophy, Princeton University, June 2002.
You are welcome to read this work, pass it on to others, and cite it. I only ask that if you
pass on this work to someone else that it be passed on (1) in its entirety, (2) without
modification, and (3) along with this note.
I consider this a work in progress. It is currently under review in its present form at an
academic press. I intend to revise and expand it substantially before publishing it as a
book, so much so that the book and the dissertation will probably best be considered
separate works.
Comments are welcome. You can contact me by email (jdgreene@princeton.edu) or by
regular mail:
Joshua Greene
Department of Psychology
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ 08544
jdg
MORALITY AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
Joshua David Greene
A DISSERTATION
PRESENTED TO THE FACULTY
OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
IN CANDIDACY FOR THE DEGREE
OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
RECOMMENDED FOR ACCEPTANCE
BY THE DEPARTMENT
OF PHILOSOPHY
NOVEMBER 2002
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