Common questions

What is the theory of reflective equilibrium?

What is the theory of reflective equilibrium?

In philosophy, the concept of reflective equilibrium refers to a process by which we try to figure out how we know if something is morally right or not and whether our beliefs about what is moral are consistent.

Which of the following best summarizes consequentialist theories quizlet?

Which of the following BEST summarizes consequentialist theories? Consequentialist theories consider actions to be good when they produce good consequences. Different consequentialist theories specify different kinds of consequences as being good consequences.

What does cultural relativism imply about the moral status of social reformers?

Cultural relativism implies that the moral status of social reformers will always be wrong. Their culture is the ultimate authority on moral matters so if social reformers disagreed then they had to be in the wrong.

When do we use reflective equilibrium in ethics?

A considerable part of contemporary work in substantive ethics treats appeals to moral intuitions or considered judgments in this way (Thompson 1976, McMahan 2000, G.A. Cohen 2007). Some who work in this fashion cite Rawls (1974) when they embrace reflective equilibrium. We return to the topic of intuitionism again later in this entry.

How is reflective equilibrium used in Rawls theory?

The method of reflective equilibrium thus plays a role in both the construction and justification of Rawls’s theory of justice (Daniels 1996; Scanlon 2002). Its role in construction is an example of its use as a form of deliberation.

Is the reflective equilibrium process dialogical or dialogical?

We can also refer to the process or method itself as the “method of reflective equilibrium.” The method of reflective equilibrium can be carried out by individuals acting separately or together. In the latter case, the method is dialogical and agreement among participants may or may not be accompanied by a search for coherence.

Do you need assurance the reflective equilibrium is stable?

There need be no assurance the reflective equilibrium is stable—we may modify it as new elements arise in our thinking (Schroeter 2004). In practical contexts, this deliberation may help us come to a conclusion about what we ought to do when we had not at all been sure earlier. (Scanlon 2002).

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Ruth Doyle