The Birth of Ethics

Abstract

According to the ethical point of view, as commonly understood, there are two striking aspects to the natural and social world we human beings inhabit. First, the options we confront in decision making vary in their overall desirability, however desirability is conceptualized. And second, we are often fit to be held responsible in making a choice for choosing or failing to choose the most desirable option. Specifically, we are fit to be held responsible for the option we choose in the presence of a capacity— an unimpaired, unimpeded capacity—to register and act on considerations of desirability. Depending on what we do, we are appropriate targets for the praise and blame of others and can appropriately feel pride or guilt in how we perform