PHIL 80.26 Conceptual Ethics and Conceptual Engineering
Some have argued that a central and legitimate job of philosophy involves conceptual ethics and conceptual engineering: that is, work in determining what sorts of language or concepts we should use, and how we should use them. In this course we will examine the motivations for thinking of philosophy in this way. We will go on to consider questions such as: How is conceptual engineering possible, and how could it lead to philosophical progress? To what extent can past philosophical debates be reconceived as involved in conceptual negotiation? What are the signs that conceptual (re-)engineering is needed? How can and should this sort of work be done? What view(s) of concepts are involved in undertaking this work—and is it better to think of this work at the conceptual or linguistic level? What criteria can and should we employ in evaluating concepts, or conceptual systems? Is conceptual engineering even possible—and if so, how can we do it?
Prerequisite
Requires the permission of the instructor.