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Recent work on reflective equilibrium and method in ethics
Author(s) -
Tersman Folke
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
philosophy compass
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.973
H-Index - 25
ISSN - 1747-9991
DOI - 10.1111/phc3.12493
Subject(s) - reflective equilibrium , criticism , epistemology , nothing , focus (optics) , ethical theories , ethical theory , work (physics) , positive economics , sociology , philosophy , political science , economics , law , physics , optics , mechanical engineering , engineering
The idea of reflective equilibrium (IRE) remains the most popular approach to questions about method in ethics, despite the masses of criticism it has been faced with over the years. Is this due to the availability of compelling responses to the criticisms or rather to factors that are independent of its reasonableness? The aim of this paper is to provide support for the first answer. I particularly focus on the recent discussion. Some recent objections are related to general arguments against the possibility of moral knowledge, such as so‐called “evolutionary debunking arguments.” I argue that nothing that has come to light in that debate, or in the recent discussion about IRE more generally, decisively strengthens the case against it. If anything, the recent developments show that IRE deserves its present status.