Date of Award
4-1994
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Philosophy
First Advisor
Dr. Quentin Smith
Second Advisor
Dr. Joe Ellin
Third Advisor
Dr. Sylvia Culp
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Campus Only
Abstract
I argue that David Brink's refutation of J. L. Mackie's "Argument From Queerness" fails on two points, (1) epistemological and (2) metaphysical. Both of these points serve as evidence that Brink's moral realism is not a better explanation of morality than non-realist theories, like noncognitivism.
Concerning point (1), I argue that Brink's externalist thesis actually refutes his argument for moral realism, where objective values are concerned. Although objective values need not necessarily be understood as being prescriptive, my argument demonstrates that moral realism must hold that these values are prescriptive in order to demonstrate their relevance to moral considerations.
Concerning point (2), I argue that Brink's argument for the supervenience of moral properties on natural properties is not sufficient to demonstrate an entailment. Without this entailment of moral properties from natural properties, Brink's argument for the constitution of moral properties by natural properties fails.
Recommended Citation
Gabriel, Anthony R., "David Brink's Flawed Refutation of 'The Argument from Queerness'" (1994). Masters Theses. 3635.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/3635