Richardson on moral innovation

Henry Richardson's Articulating the Moral Community is a wide-ranging and remarkably creative book.1 In these comments, I focus on his account of phenomenon “moral innovation.” innovation process by which new moral norms come to be authoritatively binding ethical judgments objectively true. this essay, review how why problem arises, summarize 3-step new, objective may created, pose series questions that are designed press Richardson further explain motivation for value model innovation. To begin, let's consider we need an at all. starts with assumption there core set universally binding. This incomplete. It does not always give us sufficient guidance about what do in situations clearly morally significant. describes as gaps. As example, he offers medical research case. Is it permissible use placebos when disease question very dangerous treatments other than one being tested available? Here, challenge figure out apply cases. We should save many lives possible (and using can helpful developing medications) but must also help each individual patient fail so). What norm will specify proper research. Another example involves role grandparents childcare. Core morality dictates children cared for. But much care legitimately expected provide? Are parents within their rights assume able-bodied, retired grandparent while they work? Or entitled say, “No, my time own. Find some day-care solution.” gap involves, just vagueness particular circumstances, indeterminacy assignment duties. Someone kids—but who? argues, gaps emerge both because existing vague sometimes conflict another (16). Technological source For establish privacy given all information our cell phones constantly collect ways now analyzed used. Objective arise from sorts social changes. sociologists speculate specifying duties likely develop longer life expectancies, dropping birth rates, increased participation women labor market, etc. And, course, environmental changes, such rising sea levels, require make tough choices future unlike any used dealing with. guide us. So, might established. book opens, mentions three methods take place. Through first method, label “Deduction,” become ever more discerning pre-existing facts (3). Consider norm, “Ask your children's permission before posting images or details media.” Social media requiring respect autonomy loyalty towards one's part core. although genuinely since well something deduced morality. argues cannot place via Deduction. simply draw inferences so land uniquely right solutions problems. Often, range close gap, consistent norms. Some candidate protecting internet burden consumers protect own information, whereas others shift service providers Google. Either system work fine sense protects legitimate interests high degree. unless coordinate norms, protected. brings second call “Local Convention” supplement conventions. The scope conventions local rather universal. Only people party conventions, only bound Here's familiar example: dead. whether requires burying burning dead bodies varies culture culture. childcare again. suggests “no grandparental obligations such” (12). different times places, well-established have assigned quite demanding grandparents. contemporary China, appear stronger U.S.2 concern Local Convention route “its free-handed appeal convention threatens undercut its supposed recognition skeletal objectivity” here, turns directly preferred method claim end process, norm. am willing grant 3 stage-process could result When comes endorsed universal, uncoerced reflective agreement, resulting (e.g., placebo not) would binding, least until overturned loss consensus itself (186). However, sure anything curiosity, is, theoretically particularly More specifically, wonder sort made Method preferable authoritative takes Convention. end, argue type exceedingly rare, unnecessary solving problems posed gaps, necessarily desirable brand rare involve universal agreement. Literal unanimity required individuals even small groups pirates) who join ratifying (180), means ratification occurs global scale (167-69). agreement reflective, meaning, everyone actually reflect (148). contractarian contractualist moves here. idea agree were rationally, no rationally reject They endorse it. Furthermore, coercion. Here too, stipulating fact coercion, resulted without actual coercion practice. Under heading ‘coercion,’ certainly rule force deception secure seems emotional pressure, threats isolation, withdrawal cooperation (137-38). Perhaps throw you prison failing accept strong duty if community accepts then kids regularly. refuse old age. neighbors say bad grandparent. suspect few kind absence pressure. non-coercion clause hard satisfy pervasive effects injustices colonialism patriarchy. inequalities status economic power North American European scientists wield larger degree influence over protocols practiced Africa African scientists, let alone Black subjects living regions. rightfully concerned consensus. Yet, pervasiveness created Method. Luckily, necessary. There deal notably, multiple, satisfactory fill assign caregivers. possibilities squarely parents, state, heavy responsibilities aunts uncles. belongs has coordinated way obliged follow (other things equal). correct valid obligation provide daycare grandchildren, (perhaps Chinese grandparents) obliged. Of sketch woefully add clarify ask agree, equal invalidated this-or-that form conditions under excused allowed exit community. My point this: see reason agreements. Fundamentally, seem (a) sets solved, (b) solve reasonable way, (c) going affected application those able establishing maintaining Yet same features (a-c). Why number (everyone world versus community) difference all? Were content object worldwide consensus, argued above, think highly unlikely happen, did, case plurality emerges members communities question. Grandparents violate justification excuse good feel guilty, judged blameworthy people, subjected sanctions, amends. get point. 3-stage example. Dr. Jones faces gap. She decide her research, context where deadly alternative, flawed (but useless) available. Step 1, reflects situation sincerely conscientiously proposes use. study. yet, it? Well, yes. agreed communications subjects. represents best judgment she faces. 2, Jone's taken up professional association. write into code ethics. (Notice, step 2 like Convention.) norm? Yes. association researchers No. At stage 3, endorses Everyone been 1. Her fellow professionals already 2. Indeed, bound—no obliged—than before. necessary closing suggested involving suitably constrained arises A appropriate conceive family better models. China Germany. Mexican-American Irish-American variation practical reasons. Grandparental responsive contextual differences economics, geography, culture) children. Living provides models taking enable adapt easily changing future. existence intrinsic value. beautiful diversity human cultural forms. long everyone's fundamental served, variety pleasing uniformity. By analogy, spoke natural language less multitude languages. Certainly, shared universally. Insofar healthcare globally interconnected endeavors, single placebos. cases exception rule. rejects “appeal thought here subject convention, including immoral. significant between defending agreements claiming create obligations. stipulate morality, stakeholders voice, prohibit certain forms Notice, stipulations makes method. Throughout book, claims definition, 136). conceptual grounds rejecting If everyone, definition. grandmother grandchild, so. instead locally specified still obligation. honest dealings legitimately-held property. honesty property practice vague. university, conventional me request buying plane tickets department's credit card. advance merely documentation afterward. Still, purchase ticket card (say, don't hassle) done wrong—not culturally wrong, wrong. dishonest misused university true though you, acting acted wrongly. connection enough justify characterizing Rather objecting He formal definition objectivity includes requirement justifications truths “do vary values, evaluative perspective, Weltanshauung persons entertaining [them]” (243). established down? importance values. Without fixed core, hard-pressed important filling left core? happens interact find govern interaction (121-26). But, argument supports conclusion pressure expand realm activity, support order opinion, yield far too sources people. hope reflections encourage innovation.3