Abstract
Summary Sketches the basic ideas of a normative theory of postconventional morality that promises to go beyond the sterile opposition of so-called “deontological” and “utilitarian” approaches in normative ethics. Discourse ethics as developed by Karl-Otto Apel and Jürgen Habermas transform the Kantian idea that normative justification requires consistent universalizability into a dialogical procedure between participants of practical discourse. In practical discourse we put normative proposals to the test of normative validity: we test whether everybody whose interests are affected by the proposal could, under ideal conditions, freely consent to the proposal for reasons that the proposal in question enshrines a generalizable interest. However, discourse ethics has to account for the difference between the idea ot practical discourse on the one hand and the brute fact that the world as it is often does not allow for conflicts to be resolved via discursive procedures. An account of guiding principles for the morally responsible application of practical discourse thus becomes part and parcel of the normative theory of practical communicative rationality.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
