On Ethical Thoughtfulness

Abstract

One way to engage with ethics is in a thoughtful way. Chapter 1 shows that there is disagreement about the value of ethical thoughtfulness. Chapter 2 gives a careful account of ethical thoughtfulness in terms of four norms. Chapter 3 shows that being ethically thoughtful is possible for many of us, but is also likely to be costly. Chapter 4 argues that connections between ethical thoughtfulness and behavior do not provide compelling reasons to pursue ethical thoughtfulness. Chapter 5 argues that ethical thoughtfulness is not significant because of connections to moral epistemology, moral accountability, or moral standing. Chapter 6 argues that it is unlikely that ethical thoughtfulness is good for all humans, but that it may be a good for some people in some circumstances.