The Distinction Between Moral Theory and Moral Philosophy
Morality often intertwines with various fields of study, but its exploration primarily falls under the domain of philosophy. Nonetheless, it is crucial to distinguish between moral theory and moral philosophy, as they serve different purposes in understanding and applying ethical frameworks.
Understanding the Scope of Ethics and Morality
While Plato and Aristotle posited that ethics is a branch of philosophy, the practice of leading a moral or immoral life cannot be purely theoretical. Morality originates from basic beliefs and personal experiences, whereas philosophy attempts to establish a theoretical framework. A key figure, Bertrand Russell, argued that philosophy cannot fully establish moral studies since morality has a psychological and emotional basis.
Defining Moral Philosophy and Moral Theory
Moral philosophy is concerned with the nature of moral imperatives as abstract constructions, whereas moral theory focuses on the practical application of these imperatives. For instance, if one attempts to create a moral theory, it involves formulating arguments based on perceived moral imperatives. However, these arguments must be grounded in a deeper understanding provided by moral philosophy.
Moral philosophy, often a priori in nature, cannot originate from a posteriori experiences. This is because all moral determinations would then be subjective and changeable over time, rendering universal moral standards irrelevant. Bertrand Russell's later views, as seen in Human Society in Ethics and Politics, also support the notion that while philosophy can provide a framework, personal beliefs often influence one's political views.
The Role of Empirical Experience in Moral Philosophy
David Hume's Is-Ought fallacy highlights the limitation of purely empirical evidence in generating moral evaluations. No matter how detailed the empirical information, it cannot answer "how the world should be" based on what it is. This is because all primary facts stem from causes and possess causality, implying a need for an a priori paradigm.
However, this leads to another issue—how to reconcile the concept of a necessary a priori paradigm with the conflicting moral evaluations derived from empirical experiences. While moral evaluations may proceed logically from an a priori principle, their accuracy relies on the perception of the empirical events that inform them. If the perception is inaccurate, the moral evaluation may not apply to the situation.
Conclusion: Balancing Theory and Practice
To summarize, moral theory is the practical application of moral philosophy, ensuring that moral evaluations are accurate and applicable to specific situations. While moral philosophy provides the foundational a priori framework, moral theory ensures that this framework is used effectively and responsibly in real-world contexts.
By clearly understanding and delineating between these two disciplines, we can better navigate the complexities of moral and ethical decision-making in both theoretical and practical settings.