C. D. Broad on Common Sense Morality

Robert Shaver
Professor, University of Manitoba

Abstract

In Five Types of Ethical Theory, C. D. Broad sketches an account of common sense morality that, he claims, avoids Sidgwick’s objections. On the account, the rightness of an action depends on its fittingness and its utility. I highlight the notion of fittingness—comparing it to later views—and consider whether Sidgwick would be satisfied. I also consider Broad’s later doubt about fittingness, and in particular whether he offers a debunking argument.

In later work, Broad adds to his account of common sense morality the notion of self-referential altruism. I consider whether self-referential altruism is a “reductionist” or “non-reductionist” account of duties to intimates—whether these duties are derived or sui generis—and, Broad aside, which view is more plausible.

This is a FREE event; no registration necessary.