Chetwynd, S. B. (Susan Beryl) (1997) The embedded self : an investigation into moral thinking and thinkers. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to investigate the nature of moral thinking
and thus to arrive at some conclusions as to the nature of moral
thinkers. My starting point is that investigation of the ways we think
in moral terms, particularly with respect to the way that the truth of
thoughts constrains the claims we can make in moral discourse. That
is, I want to start with the ways of thinking and the sorts of claims we
make in moral terms, and see what those ways of thinking and claims
tell us about the sorts of people we are and the environment we find
ourselves in. This approach depends on a picture of our interaction
and connection with our environment in conceptual terms that allows
us to investigate one part of this interaction, our language and
thought, and use it to give us information about the other parts of the
interaction, the thinkers and what is thought about. The important
element of this interaction is that it is an interaction responsive to the
truth of the beliefs we hold and the claims we make. This requires me
to defend the thesis that moral language and thought can be
candidates for truth, and that the truth they respond to is not some
particular truth relative to moral discourse, but truth tout court, as it
applies to all discourses. Using the distinction I claim is made in
moral language and thought between moral judgments and their truth
I show that we need to be able to recognise moral agents as engaged
or embedded in a network of personal relationships that are made up
of commitments, responsibilities and expectations. It is these
personal relationships that provide both justification and motivation
for moral action and this is sufficient for morality.

Item Type:	Thesis or Dissertation (PhD)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BJ Ethics
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Ethics
Official Date:	July 1997
Dates:	Date Event July 1997 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of Philosophy
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Luntley, Michael, 1953-
Sponsors:	British Academy
Extent:	231 p.
Language:	eng

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