Even if we grant that one’s meta-ethical position will determine one’s normative theory (which is very contentious), one would like some evidence that it would be easier to find the correct meta-ethical view than it would be to find the correct (or appropriate, or whatever) normative ethical view. Otherwise, why not just do normative ethics?
My own thought is that doing meta-ethics may illuminate normative theory, but I could be wrong about that. For example, I think doing meta-ethics right seals the deal for consequentialism, but not utilitarianism.
My own thought is that doing meta-ethics may illuminate normative theory, but I could be wrong about that.
Since nobody understands these topics with enough clarity, and they seem related, I don’t see how anyone can claim with confidence that they actually aren’t related. So you saying that you “could be wrong about that” doesn’t communicate anything about your understanding.
Even if we grant that one’s meta-ethical position will determine one’s normative theory (which is very contentious), one would like some evidence that it would be easier to find the correct meta-ethical view than it would be to find the correct (or appropriate, or whatever) normative ethical view. Otherwise, why not just do normative ethics?
My own thought is that doing meta-ethics may illuminate normative theory, but I could be wrong about that. For example, I think doing meta-ethics right seals the deal for consequentialism, but not utilitarianism.
Since nobody understands these topics with enough clarity, and they seem related, I don’t see how anyone can claim with confidence that they actually aren’t related. So you saying that you “could be wrong about that” doesn’t communicate anything about your understanding.