C-010MetaethicsConfidence: Medium
Constructivism in Metaethics (SEP)
Bagnoli (2025)
One-Sentence Thesis
Constructivism in metaethics is the family of views holding that moral or normative truths are not discovered but constructed — they result from or are constituted by procedures of rational deliberation, agreement, or reflective scrutiny. The article surveys the Kantian tradition (Rawls, Korsgaard), contractualist constructivism (Scanlon), and Humean constructivism (Street), identifying their shared commitments and key differences.
Argument Outline
- 1Introduction to constructivism as a metaethical theory that emphasizes the construction of moral principles and values
- 2Distinction between constructivism and other metaethical theories, such as realism and non-cognitivism
- 3Explanation of the constructive procedure, which involves the use of rational principles and constraints to generate moral principles and values
- 4Discussion of the role of practical reason in constructivism, including the idea that moral principles and values are based on rational deliberation and decision-making
- 5Consideration of the implications of constructivism for moral objectivity, including the idea that moral principles and values can be objective despite being constructed
- 6Response to potential criticisms of constructivism, including the charge that it is overly relativistic or subjective
- 7Conclusion that constructivism provides a compelling and coherent metaethical theory that can account for the nature of moral principles and values
Key Distinctions
Constructivism vs. realism: constructivism emphasizes the construction of moral principles and values, while realism posits that moral principles and values are objective features of the world
Constructivism vs. non-cognitivism: constructivism holds that moral judgments are cognitive and can be true or false, while non-cognitivism denies that moral judgments are cognitive
Procedural constructivism vs. substantive constructivism: procedural constructivism focuses on the procedure of construction, while substantive constructivism focuses on the content of the constructed moral principles and values
Moral objectivity vs. moral subjectivity: constructivism argues that moral principles and values can be objective despite being constructed, while moral subjectivism holds that moral principles and values are purely subjective
Rational constructivism vs. irrational constructivism: rational constructivism emphasizes the role of rational principles and constraints in the constructive procedure, while irrational constructivism denies the importance of rationality in the construction of moral principles and values
Key Terms
Constructivism
A metaethical theory that emphasizes the construction of moral principles and values through a rational procedure
Practical reason
The capacity for rational deliberation and decision-making that is central to constructivism
Moral objectivity
The idea that moral principles and values can be objective and independent of personal opinions or preferences
Rational procedure
A procedure for constructing moral principles and values that is guided by rational principles and constraints
Constructive procedure
The process of constructing moral principles and values through the use of rational principles and constraints
Flashcards
14 cardsRelated Questions
4
According to Christine Bagnoli's constructivism in metaethics, what is the primary role of practical reason in the construction of moral principles and values?