The normative significance of future moral revolutions. (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Danaher, John; Hopster, Jeroen
• Is Part Of: Futures. Volume 144(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: Ethics -- Moral Revolutions -- Technology -- Moral Change -- Normativity -- Futurism; Economic forecasting -- Periodicals; Technological forecasting -- Periodicals; Economic policy -- Periodicals; Prévision économique -- Périodiques; Prévision technologique -- Périodiques; Politique économique -- Périodiques; Economic forecasting; Economic policy; Technological forecasting; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 330.0112
• DOI: 10.1016/j.futures.2022.103046
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0016-3287

Abstract

Abstract: Since moral revolutions have occurred in the past, it seems plausible to suppose that they will occur again in the future. What significance, if any, does this prospect have for our present normative outlook? This paper identifies eight ways in which this question may be answered, drawing on recent arguments in the philosophical literature. Our aim is not to vindicate any of these purported normative responses as correct. Instead, our aim is taxonomic and synoptic: we provide an overview of the different responses that the prospect of future moral revolutions gives rise to and analyze how these responses are modulated by judgements of certainty and uncertainty, whether they are practically or epistemically oriented, and to what extent they depend on ethical and metaethical assumptions. Highlights: Addresses a neglected topic in futurism and foresight studies: the normative significance of future changes in social morality. Identifies and assesses eight normative implications of future moral revolutions, several of which have direct relevance for present day decision-making and institutional design. Provides a systematic and synoptic overview of the existing literature on the normative significance of future moral change. Addresses the role of judgments of certainty and uncertainty in our attitude toward future moral change.