Philosophy 79 (1):97-119 (2004)
Abstract |
The imperviousness of mathematical truth to anti-objectivist attacks has always heartened those who defend objectivism in other areas, such as ethics. It is argued that the parallel between mathematics and ethics is close and does support objectivist theories of ethics. The parallel depends on the foundational role of equality in both disciplines. Despite obvious differences in their subject matter, mathematics and ethics share a status as pure forms of knowledge, distinct from empirical sciences. A pure understanding of principles is possible because of the simplicity of the notion of equality, despite the different origins of our understanding of equality of objects in general and of the equality of the ethical worth of persons.
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Keywords | Mathematics and ethics Ethical objectivism |
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DOI | 10.1017/s0031819104000075 |
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References found in this work BETA
Ethical Relativity? (An Enquiry Into the Psychology of Ethics.).Karl Duncker - 1939 - Mind 48 (189):39-57.
Mathematical Necessity and Reality.James Franklin - 1989 - Australasian Journal of Philosophy 67 (3):286 – 294.
Ultimate Principles and Ethical Egoism.Brian Medlin - 1957 - Australasian Journal of Philosophy 35 (2):111 – 118.
View all 7 references / Add more references
Citations of this work BETA
Corrupting the Youth: A History of Philosophy in Australia.James Franklin - 2003 - Sydney, Australia: Macleay Press.
Quantitative Method in Finance: From Detachment to Ethical Engagement.Jason West - 2015 - Journal of Business Ethics 129 (3):599-611.
Traditional Catholic Philosophy: Baby and Bathwater.James Franklin - 2006 - In Michael Whelan (ed.), Issues for Church and Society in Australia. Sydney, Australia: St Pauls. pp. 15-32.
Mathematics, Core of the Past and Hope of the Future.James Franklin - 2018 - In Catherine A. Runcie & David Brooks (eds.), Reclaiming Education: Renewing Schools and Universities in Contemporary Western Society. Sydney, Australia: Edwin H. Lowe Publishing. pp. 149-162.
View all 6 citations / Add more citations
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