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Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.31820/ejap.13.1.4

“Yes, the theory is abstemious, but...”: A Critique of Yehezkel

Regan Lance Reitsma ; King's College


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Abstract

This article is a critique of Gal Yehezkel’s attempt to refute subjectivism about normative practical reasons, a school of thought inspired by Hume. Yehezkel believes reason, far from being, as Hume puts it, “the slave of the passions,” has the normative authority to be a critic of basic desires and argues that subjectivism lacks the theoretical resources both to acknowledge this alleged truth and to analyze the distinction between wanting an outcome and intending to pursue it. I contend his refutation fails, largely because it operates with a strikingly attenuated view of the subjectivist theory.

Keywords

Hume; practical reason; normativity; rationalism; subjectivism; realism; constructivism; instrumentalism; basic desires; personal ideals; maieutic ends

Hrčak ID:

189410

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/189410

Publication date:

24.10.2017.

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