I look at the most promising putative moral theories. I…
“I look at the most promising putative moral theories. I construct crucial thought experiments in areas where they give conflicting advice. I confront their conflicting advice with my own moral sensitivity, my moral intuition. I take the theory that can best explain the content of my intuitions as gaining inductive support through an inference to the best explanation.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Evaluates moral theories by testing them against intuitive judgments and selects the one that best explains those intuitions.
In simple terms: Choose theories that match our moral gut feelings.
Key Takeaway
Prefer theories that align with personal moral intuition.
Themes
ethics
theory testing
intuition
inductive reasoning
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- philosophical debates
- ethical decision making
- policy formulation
- personal moral reflection
Key Concepts
best explanation
moral sensitivity
conflict resolution
Questions to Reflect On
- How reliable are our moral intuitions?
- Can intuition be trained?
A Different Perspective
May overlook systematic biases in intuition.