Value Conservatism and its Challenge to Consequentialism

Abstract G. A. Cohen's value conservatism entails that we ought to preserve some existing sources of in lieu more valuable replacements, thereby repudiating maximizing consequentialism. Cohen motivates through illustrative cases. The consequentialist, however, can explain many Cohen-style cases by taking extrinsic properties, such as historical significance, be final value. Nevertheless, it may intuitive there's stronger reason than promote certain value, especially historically significant things. This an argument the weights our reasons things are strong relative amounts they bear. conservative then these intuitions non-consequentialist terms. There a matter recognition respect for cultural and heritage, or because is virtuous cultivate right kind connection with heritage.