Article
Circularity, Naturalism, and Desire-based Reasons
Res Philosophica
(2017)
Abstract
In this paper I propose a critique of the naturalist version of the Desire-Based Reasons Model. I first set the scene by spelling out the connection between naturalism and the Model. After this, I introduce Christine Korsgaard’s circularity argument against what she calls the instrumental principle. Since Korsgaard’s target, officially, were non-naturalist advocates of the principle, I show why and how the circularity charge can be extended to cover the naturalist Model. Once this is done, I go on to investigate in some detail the different ways of responding to the circularity challenge. I argue that none of these responses succeed, at least not without serious costs to their advocates. I then end the paper with a brief summary and some concluding remarks.
Keywords
- Christine Korsgaard,
- reasons,
- desires,
- circularity,
- ethical naturalism,
- normative question
Disciplines
Publication Date
Spring 2017
Citation Information
Attila Tanyi. "Circularity, Naturalism, and Desire-based Reasons" Res Philosophica Vol. 94 Iss. 4 (2017) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/attila_tanyi/30/