A01=James Foster
Author_James Foster
Category=NHD
Category=NHTB
Category=QDHM
Category=QDTQ
Duty
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Ethics
Moral Education
moral objectivism
moral philosophy
Moral Rationalism
Moral Subjectivism
Scottish Enlightenment
Scottish philosophy
Thomas Reid
Product details
- ISBN 9781474455350
- Dimensions: 156 x 234mm
- Publication Date: 31 Dec 2025
- Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
- Publication City/Country: GB
- Product Form: Paperback
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Is morality a subjective matter, dependent on our desires and interests, or are there objective moral truths? And if the latter, can we explain the objectivity of morality without appeal to metaphysics, a robust teleology or divine command?
This book argues that we find just such an account of moral objectivity in Thomas Reid's Defence of Duty. To make this case, the book provides an explanation of Reid's way of philosophy and his reasons for rejecting moral subjectivism; presents Reid's account of the concept, perception, and motivational force of duty; and responds to contemporary challenges of moral subjectivism and moral pessimism from the perspective of his moral philosophy. Further, this book argues that if Reid is correct, then there is an urgent need to reform current pedagogical practice and return to the teaching of practical ethics.
James J.S. Foster is Associate Professor of Philosophy and Theology and Director of the Honors Program at the University of Sioux Falls. His previously published two edited volumes, Scottish Philosophy in America (Imprint Academic, 2012) and Thomas Reid on Religion (Imprint Academic, 2017). He is also the editor of the Journal of Scottish Philosophy.
