Javascript must be enabled to continue!
Postscript: Moral Luck
View through CrossRef
AbstractI outline how an analysis of epistemic luck has ramifications for the supposedly parallel debate regarding moral luck. Focusing on the two classic papers on moral luck by Thomas Nagel and Bernard Williams, I examine the arguments and examples put forward in this regard and highlight how a primarily epistemological analysis can be put into service to cast light on the corresponding moral debate. In particular, I show that these authors fail to distinguish a specifically moral problem, and that what difficulties they do highlight are parasitic on the problem of reflective epistemic luck. I conclude that there is a strong prima facie case for thinking that there is no such thing as moral luck, and that the only reason why many think that there is because they are confusing the non-existent problem of moral luck with the entirely genuine problem of reflective epistemic luck.
Title: Postscript: Moral Luck
Description:
AbstractI outline how an analysis of epistemic luck has ramifications for the supposedly parallel debate regarding moral luck.
Focusing on the two classic papers on moral luck by Thomas Nagel and Bernard Williams, I examine the arguments and examples put forward in this regard and highlight how a primarily epistemological analysis can be put into service to cast light on the corresponding moral debate.
In particular, I show that these authors fail to distinguish a specifically moral problem, and that what difficulties they do highlight are parasitic on the problem of reflective epistemic luck.
I conclude that there is a strong prima facie case for thinking that there is no such thing as moral luck, and that the only reason why many think that there is because they are confusing the non-existent problem of moral luck with the entirely genuine problem of reflective epistemic luck.
Related Results
The Case Against Moral Luck
The Case Against Moral Luck
In this essay we purport to suggest a comprehensive argument against the existence of moral luck. We argue that once some crucial distinctions are taken into account, our moral jud...
The Principle of Luck Conservation: Unlucking the Secrets of Luck Using Conjugate Variables
The Principle of Luck Conservation: Unlucking the Secrets of Luck Using Conjugate Variables
Abstract
The concept of luck has long been an enigmatic and elusive factor in determining success or failure in various aspects of life. This paper presents a groundbreakin...
Against resultant moral luck
Against resultant moral luck
AbstractDoes one's causal responsibility increase the degree of one's moral responsibility? The proponents of resultant moral luck hold that it does. Until quite recently, the caus...
Linguistic Luck
Linguistic Luck
Abstract
Despite the considerable attention the topic of luck has received in ethics and epistemology, very little has been published in the philosophical literature...
Escaping the Shadow
Escaping the Shadow
Photo by Karl Raymund Catabas on Unsplash
The interests of patients at most levels of policymaking are represented by a disconnected patchwork of groups … “After Buddha was dead, ...
A Critique of Principlism
A Critique of Principlism
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash
INTRODUCTION
Bioethics does not have an explicitly stated and agreed upon means of resolving conflicts between normative theories. As such, b...
Introduction
Introduction
Abstract
Despite the considerable attention the topic of luck has received in ethics and epistemology, very little has been published in the philosophical literature...
Luck Clustering in Sports: Applications and Implications for Performance and Strategy
Luck Clustering in Sports: Applications and Implications for Performance and Strategy
Abstract
The notion of luck clustering has gained traction in recent years due to its potential influence on performance and decision-making across a range of domains. This...

