What is constructive ethics

What field? Is this homework?

Yes it is homework... It's for my class critical thinking and problem solving

Well, I know about situation ethics, but have never heard of constructive ethics.

I Googled the term, but nothing much pops up that is helpful. Do you have a definition?

What field? Is this homework?


I think it is the moral philosophy of W.L. Courtney.

If this is the case then Courtney was of the opinion that ethics should be based on a rationalist foundation. In other words, reason is the true source of moral understanding. I would also venture to say that Courtney was of the opinion that without God we cannot have any objective grounds for morality. On this basis he would reject naturalistic theories such as utilitarianism. He would also be critical of the subjective idealism put forward by Berkeley.

Why is ethics constructive?

I think Courtney is saying that ethics can be shown to have a 'rational spirit'; similar to Hegel's dialectical method. The history of moral philosophy can be divided into three states. Namely, interpretation, criticism and construction.

For example, Greek philosophy would exhibit examples of interpretation while the modern period can be seen as the construction period. Can't tell you why he thinks this. I would have to find his publication and read it. As stated, I think he makes use of the Hegelian dialectic method, but I could stand corrected.


Tut