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Fileva, Iskra. Moral Testimony and Collective Moral Governance
2023, Australasian Journal of Philosophy 101 (3):722-735.
Categories: Epistemology of Testimony, Moral Judgment, Moral Psychology
Keywords: deference, moral testimony
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Added by: Clotilde Torregrossa, Contributed by: Ethan Landes
Abstract:

I suggest that a moderate version of pessimism about moral testimony succeeds. However, I claim also that all major pessimist accounts—Understanding, Affect, Virtue, and Autonomy—fail. Having argued for these claims, I propose a new pessimist alternative.

Comment: The paper would offer a good overview of the current state of the moral testimony literature, specifically focusing on moral arguments against moral testimony. The paper moves through the literature quickly and breezily, explaining the key positions then offering a counterargument. It requires minimal knowledge of the literature, although it does presuppose some familiarity with what testimony is meant to be.
Difficulty: Easy
Recommended use: Introductory reading
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Sliwa, Paulina. In defense of moral testimony
2012, Philosophical Studies 158 (2): 175-195.
Categories: Epistemology, Epistemology of Testimony, Metaphysics & Epistemology
Keywords: moral advice, moral expertise, moral testimony, moral understanding, moral worth
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Added by: Nick Novelli
Introduction: Moral testimony has been getting a bad name in the recent literature. It has been argued that while testimony is a perfectly fine source for nonmoral belief, there's something wrong with basing one's moral beliefs on it. This paper argues that the bad name is undeserved: Moral testimony isn't any more problematic than nonmoral testimony.
Comment: This is a very good, easy to understand article on moral epistemology. The examples used are clear and well-presented, and it would be suitable even for students with no previous experience with moral epistemology. As the issue addressed, moral testimony, is a central one, this article would be recommended for an introductory course in moral epistemology.
Difficulty: Easy
Recommended use: Introductory Reading
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