Realism and Imagination in Ethics

A well-rounded examination of ethical thought, language, and action

In Realism and Imagination in Ethics, author Sabina Lovibond explores the non-cognitive theory of ethics along with its objections and the alternative of moral realism. Delving into expressivism, perception, moral sense theory, objectivity, and more, this book pulls from Wittgenstein, Hegel, Bradley, Nietzsche and others to explore the many facets of ethics and perception. The discussion analyzes the language, theories, and criteria surrounding ethical action, and describes the faults and fallacies of traditional schools of thought. Part I: Foundations of Ethical Realism and Imagination

Chapter 1: Introduction: The Tension Between Realism and Imagination in Ethics

What is Ethical Realism?

The Role of Imagination in Moral Decision Making

Key Questions and Debates

Chapter 2: Philosophical Perspectives on Ethical Realism

Classical Ethical Realism (Plato, Aristotle)

Contemporary Ethical Realists (Michael Smith, Peter Singer)

Challenges to Ethical Realism (Anti-Realist Arguments)

Chapter 3: The Nature of Moral Imagination

Defining Moral Imagination

Cognitive Processes and Moral Imagination

Moral Imagination and Empathy

Part II: Applications of Moral Imagination in Ethical Dilemmas

Chapter 4: Moral Imagination in Business Ethics

Corporate Social Responsibility and Imagination

Ethical Decision Making in Complex Business Scenarios

The Role of Leadership in Fostering Moral Imagination

Chapter 5: Moral Imagination in Medical Ethics

Patient Autonomy and Imaginative Considerations

Ethical Issues at the End of Life

Imagining Alternative Scenarios in Medical Decision Making

Chapter 6: Moral Imagination in Environmental Ethics

The Intergenerational Perspective and Imaginative Thought

Environmental Justice and Moral Imagination

Imagining Future Ecological Scenarios

Part III: Critical Considerations and Future Directions

Chapter 7: Limits and Concerns of Moral Imagination:

Potential for Bias and Misuse of Imagination

The Role of Reason and Critical Thinking

Ethical Responsibility for Imaginative Practices

Chapter 8: Integrating Realism and Imagination in Ethical Theory:

A Framework for Ethical Decision Making

The Importance of Both Objective Moral Facts and Imaginative Considerations

Future Directions for Ethical Theory Development

Conclusion: The Power of Moral Imagination in Ethical Practice

Summary of Key Points

Implications for Ethical Education and Action

Sabina Lovibond is Fellow and Tutor in Philosophy at Worcester College, Oxford. She is author of Realism and Imagination in Ethics and co-editor of Ethics: A Feminist Reader.

S. G. Williams is also Fellow and Tutor in Philosophy at Worcester College, Oxford and has written on philosophical logic and metaphysics.