Must Kantian Contractualism and Rule-consequentialism Converge?

Oxford Studies in Normative Ethics 4:34-52 (2014)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

Derek Parfit’s On What Matters endorses Kantian Contractualism, the normative theory that everyone ought to follow the rules that everyone could rationally will that everyone accept. This paper explores Parfit’s argument that Kantian Contractualism converges with Rule Consequentialism. A pivotal concept in Parfit’s argument is the concept of impartiality, which he seems to equate agent-neutrality. This paper argues that equating impartiality and agent-neutrality is insufficient, since some agent-neutral considerations are silly and some are not impartial. Perhaps more importantly, there is little realistic prospect of Kantian Contractualism converging with Rule Consequentialism unless the same impartial reasons drive rule selection in the two theories.

Author's Profile

Brad Hooker
University of Reading

Analytics

Added to PP
2015-04-26

Downloads
760 (#17,473)

6 months
61 (#61,874)

Historical graph of downloads since first upload
This graph includes both downloads from PhilArchive and clicks on external links on PhilPapers.
How can I increase my downloads?