Too Few Reasons

The flip side of the argument from the Humean Theory of Reasons and Objective Prescriptivity to the moral Error Theory is the argument from Objective Prescriptivity and moral realism against the Humean Theory of Reasons. According to this argument, the Humean Theory of Reasons allows for Too Few reasons, and a better theory should be less stingy about how hard it is for something to be a reason for someone. It should not have to depend on anything special about them, this argument goes.

Reading

In this chapter we’ll turn to Schroeder’s response to this challenge. Schroeder’s response turns on getting a delicate balance right between taking the problem seriously enough and still trying to solve it. As you read, ask yourself whether it seems plausible or not that he can get this balance right. For today’s class please read chapter six of Slaves of the Passions.