Prudential reasons and the prudential companions in guilt argument

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Authors: Jesse Hambly
Cited by: 1
References: 58

Abstract

According to the moral error theory, all moral judgements which attribute moral properties are untrue. According to the prudential error theory, all prudential judgements which attribute prudential properties are untrue. The prudential companions in guilt argument contends that, if arguments for the moral error theory succeed, then analogues of those arguments establish the prudential error theory, but the prudential error theory is false, so arguments for the moral error theory fail. In this paper I assess whether the most popular argument for the moral error theory, the argument from reasons, threatens to establish the prudential error theory. My key conclusion is that some but not all ways of developing the argument from reasons support the prudential error theory.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Philosophy and Theoretical Science Free Will and Agency Philosophical Ethics and Theory

Publication details

Journal / source
Inquiry
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Pages
1–25
Publication date
1 March 2026
Language
EN