Moral Reality and Moral Progress

Abstract

Abstract This chapter elaborates on the notion of moral progress and moral reality. The advancement of moral progress implies some form of realism about moral truth and suggests that moral propositions can be true or false independent of what people believe. Meanwhile, the truth of a moral proposition cannot be distinguished from the existence of a reason for people to conduct themselves in the way it prescribes. The chapter notes how moral progress is mostly intertwined with political or institutional progress, referencing historical examples such as the abolition of slavery and the replacement of aristocracy with popular sovereignty. It explains that progress requires changes to existing institutions, the creation of new institutions, and consonant changes in norms for both institutions and individuals.