Title

Rational Moral Essentialism: Reconstructing Normativity Beyond Universalism and Relativism

Creator

Latsidis, Chrysovalantis-Angelos

Abstract

This essay confronts the ought-is problem and the universalism-relativism debate by proposing "rational moral essentialism," a framework grounded in minimal, rational criteria for morality. Drawing from thinkers like Hume, Moore, and Kondylis, it argues that morality requires proportionality, necessity, relevance, sustainable coexistence, and respect for human dignity. Rather than searching for universal virtues, it identifies universalizable wrongs, aiming to safeguard meaning against barbarism and amorality. The framework emphasizes practical dialogue and shared ethical boundaries across diverse cultural contexts, while critically avoiding the pitfalls of both moral absolutism and cultural relativism.

Keywords

Moral Essentialism

Ought-Is Problem

Tolerance

Subject

Psychology

Date Available

May 23, 2024

Type

Oral Presentation

Course

PH 3118 Theory of Knowledge Fall

Instructor

Petridis, Raymond

Session

Oral Presentations

Location

Art Center Auditorium

Event

Year 2025 | 9th Annual Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium