In-depth Notes on Affectual Intuitionism

Affectual Intuitionism

Introduction

  • Emotions and Moral Knowledge: Emotions are essential for understanding objective moral truths.
  • Theory Proposal: Introduces affectual intuitionism, which combines emotions with ethical intuitionism to support a moral epistemology.
  • Distinct Perspective on Emotions: Differentiates from traditional views by not seeing reason and emotion as opposing forces.

Reid’s Theory of Moral Emotions

  • Reid's Contribution: Offers a more nuanced view of emotions than typical intuitionists but is critiqued for limiting the role of affective states to motivation.
  • Affective States: Reid identifies three types of principles of action:
    1. Mechanical Principles: Instincts and habits, requiring no deliberation or judgment.
    2. Animal Principles: Blind desires that need intention but not judgment (shared with animals).
    3. Rational Principles: Require rational judgment, unique to rational beings.
  • Benevolence as an Affective State: Considered an animal principle, emphasizing that altruistic feelings are critical for human happiness and well-being.
    • Examples of Benevolent Affections: Parental love, compassion, gratitude, and social sentiments.

Moral Approbation and Disapprobation

  • Complex Feelings: Moral feelings are dependent on judgments; esteem towards morally good actions is tied to moral judgments.
  • Conscience as a Dual Function: (i) Provides moral knowledge, (ii) Acts as a motivational force, stronger than rational deliberation.
  • Emotional Cognitivism: Emotions are necessary for moral judgments as they enhance the moral experience and understanding.

The Role of Affective States

  • Guiding Action: Warm affections can guide ethical behavior, regardless of reasoning.
  • Utility of Emotions: Good for individual happiness, support morality, and maintain social contracts.
  • Contradiction with Hume: Reid's framework contradicts Humean notions of emotions as inferior and merely reactive.

Empirical Psychology and Moral Judgment

  • Tradition and Modernity: Modern psychology suggests moral judgments arise from intuitions and emotions which may be perceived as irrational.
  • Findings Alignment: Affectual intuitionism aligns with empirical findings, positing emotions as sources of rationality in ethical decision-making.

Moral Motivations and the Moral Problem

  • Smith’s Theory: Proposes three theories (objective moral fact, motivation to act based on moral belief, and discernment of actions).
  • Resolution: Affectual intuitionism bridges these theories by asserting emotional moral judgments motivate actions while acknowledging coherent moral beliefs.

Conclusively Integrating Emotions and Ethics

  • Functionality of Moral Emotions: Emotions facilitate the understanding of moral truths and can be motivating agents toward moral behavior.
  • Critical Examination: Advocates for continuous reflection on emotions as responsible for discerning moral values.
  • Morality and Emotional Capacity: Suggests that emotional responses are pivotal for moral reasoning and adherence to ethics, enhancing the understanding of concepts such as sympathy and guilt.

Final Thoughts

  • Affectual Intuitionism as a Framework: Reconceives intuitionism by asserting that moral knowledge is rooted in emotional experiences and judgments, thereby presenting a robust and cohesive moral epistemology.
  • Navigating Moral Truths: Emphasizes the importance of emotions in ethical discussions, aiming to reconcile rational and affective aspects in moral judgments effectively.