Robust Ethics

This book defends non-theistic robust normative realism, arguing for objective ethical features independent of God, while exploring human moral knowledge.

In Robust Ethics, Erik J. Wielenberg presents a compelling defense of non-theistic robust normative realism, a philosophical stance asserting that objective ethical features exist independently of divine influence. Drawing from recent advancements in analytic philosophy and empirical moral psychology, Wielenberg argues that moral truths are not contingent upon God, challenging the traditional theistic perspectives on morality. He meticulously examines the nature of ethical features, positing that they are sui generis and non-natural, thereby establishing a foundation for understanding ethics outside of religious contexts.

The early chapters of Robust Ethics tackle significant objections to the notion that irreducible ethical features can be derived from non-ethical attributes. Wielenberg engages with critics who maintain that a theistic framework is essential for objective morality, providing a thoughtful discourse on the intelligibility and plausibility of his claims. By addressing these challenges, he lays the groundwork for a robust ethical framework that stands firm against theistic critiques.

Later sections of the book delve into the intricacies of moral knowledge, responding to contemporary arguments that seek to debunk the validity of morality. Wielenberg analyzes various scientific inquiries into the origins of human moral beliefs and evolutionary theories that attempt to explain our ethical intuitions. Through this empirical lens, Robust Ethics not only defends the existence of objective moral truths but also enriches our understanding of how humans come to know and engage with these ethical principles.