Radical ethical naturalism. (February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Whyman, Tom
• Is Part Of: Philosophy & social criticism. Volume 44:Number 2(2018)
• Page Start: 159
• Page End: 178
• Publication Date: 2018-02
• Subjects: G. E. M. Anscombe -- critical theory -- ethical naturalism -- Philippa Foot -- Michael Thompson; Philosophy -- Periodicals; Political science -- Periodicals; 300.1
• DOI: 10.1177/0191453717723192
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-4537

Abstract

In this article, I identify – and clear up – two problems for contemporary neo-Aristotelian ethical naturalism. The first I call the problem of alienation; the second the problem of conservatism. I argue that these problems will persist, both for 'hard' and 'soft' forms of ethical naturalism, unless ethical naturalists adopt what I call 'Practical Realism' about essential human form. Such a Practical Realism leaves open the possibility of radical social and political criticism – I therefore suggest that contemporary ethical naturalists ought to be more interested in exploring the affinities their view shares with Marxist political thought.