Moral Explanation and Moral Objectivity

Abstract

What is the real issue at stake in discussions of "moralexplanation"? There isn't one; there are many. The standingof purported moral properties and problems about ourepistemic or semantic access to them are of concern bothfrom within and without moral practice. An account of theirpotential contribution to explaining our values, beliefs,conduct, practices, etc. can help in these respects. Byexamining some claims made about moral explanation inJudith Thompson's and Gilbert Harman's Moral Relativism andMoral Objectivity, I try to suggest a worthwhile account ofthis potential explanatory contribution.