Traditionally, moral reasoning has been seen as a matter of conscious analysis
to identify pre-existing moral principles and then apply them. Cognitive science reveals that this cannot be correct, since much moral thinking happens subconsciously. As a result of experiments in moral psychology, many scientists have concluded that intuitive judgements come first, followed later, if at all, by rational justification. That's ... Read morefine as far as it goes, says Johnson. But he recognises a key third process, which he calls 'imaginative moral deliberation'
and this is where his real insight comes.
New Scientist A welcome renewal and defense of John Dewey's ethical naturalism, which Johnson claims is the only morality 'fit for actual human beings.' The book straddles the divide between questions in moral psychology
What values do we have? Where did they come from? What role does reason play in moral deliberation?
and questions of normative and metaethics
From where do values get genuine normative authority? How do we properly rank our values when they compete with each other? These questions weave together throughout the book. . . . . He has set the stage for a promising dialogue, and we can look forward to his future contributions to the conversation.
Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews An excellent choice for any philosopher seeking to understand what it is like to navigate moral terrain with the eye of a cognitive scientist, or for any cognitive scientist wishing to apply his knowledge to pragmatist ethics.
Review of Metaphysics A stimulating book for its ability to weave together philosophy, ethics, and scientific data.
Choice Show Less