Argumenta – Journal of Analytic Philosophy

In this paper, I show how a pragmatist stance may address the problem of the resolvability of moral conflicts. Pragmatism challenges skeptical and relativist views by arguing that moral conflict resolution is possible via inquiry and exchange of reasons. From a normative standpoint, pragmatism also differs from utilitarian and deontological views, according to which a specific moral theory is correct in every context. From a pragmatist point of view, both utilitarian and deontological responses can be justified, depending on contextual conditions and reasons, on the people to whom reasons are offered, and on constraints of inclusivity, publicity, empirical accuracy, and coherence. Pragmatism’s empiricist method for solving conflicts and making normative adjustments can be seen as a form of reflective equilibrium, where moral beliefs and commitments are adjusted in light of new non-moral knowledge, such as evidence about the reliability of decision processes. Recent empirical research also supports pragmatism’s pluralist and flexible approach more than monistic and generalist normative views like deontology and utilitarianism.

How much should we actively spend on fighting climate change, global poverty and other moral causes, knowing their costs? Is it right to support Ukraine’s resistance to the Russian invasion? And to sustain Israel’s massacre in Gaza? Is it right to prevent or strongly hinder a woman from having an abortion? Is it acceptable for doctors to assist patients to die if they want so?

Practical conflicts may arise in everybody’s life: cases in which it is hard to decide because there seem to be obligations in multiple directions, and it appears impossible to fulfill one without violating another. But…

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