Chapter Three:
Moral Objectivism
The position of moral objectivism: There are
objective moral principles, valid for all people
and all social environments
Several versions of this view will be examined
but ultimately moderate objectivisim will be
accepted
Moral Absolutism
The view that there are nonoverrideable moral
principles that one ought never violate. Moral
principles are exceptionless

Moral objectivism shares notion that principles
have universal, objective validity
Objectivism however denys moral norms are
necessarily exceptionless

Aquinas's Objectivism and
Absolutism
Aquinas follows an objectivist
approach called natural law theory
Aquinas was a moral absolutist, and he
developed the doctrine of double effect
Natural Law Theory
Natural Law Theory is the view that
there exists an eternal moral law
that can be discovered through
reason by looking at the nature of
humanity and society.
Natural Law Theory
First appeared among the Stoics
in first century BCE
Stoics believed humans have
a divine spark, logos spermatikos, enabling
discovery of eternal laws
The universe is governed by rational
laws which all creation obeys
Humans, however, have power of
choice

Natural Law Theory
Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Aquinas combined cosmic law with Aristotle’s
concept that humans, like every natural object,
have a specific nature, purpose, and function.
For Aquinas, reason's deliberative processes
discover the natural laws
Doctrine of Double Effect
Provides a tidy method for solving all moral
disputes in which an act will have two effects,
one good and the other bad
Four Conditions that must be satisfied for moral
permissibility:

•The
•The
•The
•The
nature-of-the-act condition
means-end condition
right-intention condition
proportionality condition
Problems with the
Doctrine of Double Effect
Some prescriptions seem counterintuitive
Not always clear how closely an effect must be
connected with the act to be counted as the
intended act
Problem of how to describe an act
Tied closely to a teleological view of human
nature
Alternatives: Prima facie duties

Moderate Objectivism
If we can establish or show that it is reasonable
to believe that there is at least one objective
moral principle that is binding on all people then
we will have shown that relativism is probably
false and that a limited objectivism is true

Core Morality
Principles necessary for the good life within a
flourishing human community
They are not arbitrary and we can give reasons that
explain why they are constitutive elements of a
successful society, necessary for social cohesion and
personal well-being.
Principles that are examples of
the Core Morality
Do not kill innocent people.

Do not lie or deceive.

Do not steal or cheat.

Keep your promises and honor your
contracts.

Our Common Human Nature
An objectivist bases his or her moral system on
a common human nature with common needs
and desires.

There is more that unites all humanity than
divides us.

Ethical Situationalism
Objective moral principles are to be
applied differently in different
contexts.

Different from ethical relativism which denies
universal ethical principles altogether.
