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'Internalism and Externalism in Ethics Applied to the Liberal-Communitarian Debate'

Dimova-Cookson, Maria

Authors



Abstract

This article addresses the question of whether we can explain moral action in terms of an attraction to a moral ideal. It defends T. H. Green's internalist ethics against John Skorupski's externalist claim that moral ideals are optional whereas moral duties are not. A parallel is drawn between the Internalism and Externalism debate in ethics and the liberal-communitarian debate in political theory. My defence of Internalism offers new arguments in support of communitarian approaches to the nature of moral action. Green's internalist ethics provides the communitarian discourse with the universalist moral dimension it traditionally lacks.

Citation

Dimova-Cookson, M. (2005). 'Internalism and Externalism in Ethics Applied to the Liberal-Communitarian Debate'. British Journal of Politics and International Relations, 7(1), 18-28. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-856x.2005.00164.x

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Feb 1, 2005
Deposit Date Feb 22, 2008
Journal British Journal of Politics and International Relations
Print ISSN 1369-1481
Electronic ISSN 1467-856X
Publisher SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 7
Issue 1
Pages 18-28
DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-856x.2005.00164.x
Keywords Moral action, T. H. Green, Gerald Gaus, John Skorupski.
Publisher URL http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bpl/bjpi/2005/00000007/00000001/art00003