Moral Theory and Moral Alienation

Abstract

Most moral theories share certain features in common with other theories.They consist of a set of propositions that are universal, general, and hence impartial.The propositions that constitute a typical moral theory are (1) universal, in that they apply to all subjects designated as within their scope.They are (2) general, in that they include no proper names or definite descriptions.They are therefore (3) impartial, in that they accord no special privilege to any particular agent's situation which cannot be justified under (2) and (3).These three features do not distinguish moral theories from other theories, nor indeed from most general categorical propositions we assert.Yet, in recent years, these features of moral theories have been the target of a certain concerted and sustained criticism, namely, that to be committed to such a moral theory, or to aspire to act in accordance with its requirements, results in what has come to be known as moral alienation.1 Moral alienation,