Moral realism and subjectivity

 

Moral realism and moral subjectivity both arise naturally from the goals-methods model of morality (Perry, 2026).  In this model, moral principles are methods of achieving mutual fitness.  As such, they are goals in themselves, with sub-methods of achieving these goals.  

 

Moral realism

If I have moral goal GM, then it is true that I (morally) should do action X (that promotes GM).  The moral goal is mutual thriving, surviving and/or reproducing.  

 

Moral subjectivity

Moral principles come equipped with normative pressure, since each is a method of achieving mutual fitness, and there is evolved normative pressure to achieve fitness (thriving, surviving, reproducing).  

The moral agent can only act upon this normative pressure if they endorse the particular method, or domain of methods, for achieving mutual fitness.  I.e., if I do not think a principle is legitimate then I will reject it as illegitimate.  

In practice, the domain this applies to is patriarchy.  The goal of patriarchy is reproduction, which is mutual, but on men’s terms, at women’s expense, which is not compatible with fairness, equality, women’s autonomy, etc.  

 

Reasons why I might not endorse patriarchy:  

• It violates women’s autonomy, fairness, equality, etc.  

 

Reasons why I might endorse patriarchy (as a man):  

• I don’t care about women’s rights.
• I get what I want (reproduction on my terms).
• My family endorsed patriarchy.  
• My culture endorses patriarchy.  
• I don’t know the biological reasons for patriarchy.
• I’ve never really thought about it.  
• I don’t know any different strategies for achieving the same ends (e.g., mate retention through attractiveness).  

 

Reference

Perry, Simon (2026) – “Understanding morality and ethics”; https://orangebud.co.uk/web_book_2.html