C-013MetaethicsConfidence: Medium

Conceptual Engineering, Truth, and Efficacy.

Nado, Jennifer (2020)

One-Sentence Thesis

Conceptual engineering — the project of improving or replacing our concepts — faces a fundamental tension between two success criteria: truth-oriented criteria (a revised concept should more accurately capture the relevant phenomenon) and efficacy-oriented criteria (a revised concept should serve practical, social, and communicative purposes better than the original). These criteria can conflict, and Nado argues that conceptual engineering cannot simply privilege one over the other.

Argument Outline

1Introduction to conceptual engineering as a philosophical methodology
2Discussion of the importance of conceptual engineering for achieving truth and efficacy
3Examination of the role of conceptual engineering in ethics, including the revision of moral concepts
4Analysis of the challenges and limitations of conceptual engineering, including the risk of conceptual relativism
5Defense of conceptual engineering as a necessary and desirable practice for improving our understanding of the world and promoting effective action
6Consideration of the implications of conceptual engineering for traditional notions of truth and objectivity
7Discussion of the relationship between conceptual engineering and other philosophical methodologies, such as conceptual analysis and experimental philosophy

Key Distinctions

The distinction between descriptive and prescriptive conceptual engineering, where the former aims to describe existing concepts and the latter aims to revise or replace them

The distinction between conceptual engineering as a means of achieving truth and conceptual engineering as a means of achieving efficacy, where the former prioritizes accuracy and the latter prioritizes practical effectiveness

The distinction between local and global conceptual engineering, where the former involves revising specific concepts and the latter involves revising entire conceptual frameworks

Key Terms

Conceptual engineering

The practice of revising or replacing existing concepts to improve their accuracy, efficacy, or other desirable properties

Truth

The property of corresponding to an objective feature of the world, which conceptual engineering aims to achieve

Efficacy

The property of being effective in achieving a desired goal or outcome, which conceptual engineering aims to promote

Conceptual relativism

The view that concepts are relative to a particular perspective or framework, and that there is no objective basis for evaluating their truth or efficacy

Flashcards

15 cards