Work

Models in Ethics and the Philosophy of Ethics

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: In this article, I pursue two main goals. First, I emphasise the importance of considering philosophy of science as a helpful framework to improve normative theorising. Briefly put, I defend the transfer of insights from the philosophy of science specifically to ethics. Second, I discuss one well-studied area within the philosophy of science, the use of models, to improve the way normative theorising is done. In short, models in ethics ought to be devised for clearly established purposes. I illustrate these ideas with historical examples and by purposefully modelling a representative device for deciding public policy issues.

Source: Res Publica

DOI: 10.1007/s11158-026-09787-6

Author: Thomas Schramme

Institution: University of Liverpool

Language: English

Topic: Philosophical Ethics and Theory

Subfield: Philosophy

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,290

Funder: Universität Hamburg