HOW TO INTERNALIZE MORAL NORMS?

THE MORAL SENTIMENTALISM OF JOHN STUART MILL IN FOCUS

Authors

  • Bruno Braga UFMG

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7443/problemata.v11i1.49324

Keywords:

Morality, Motivation, Sanction, Sentiment

Abstract

This paper aims to expose the sentimentalist theory of J. S. Mill as a possible answer to the following question: How do we internalize moral norms? For this purpose, this text will be divided in two parts. First, I expose the role of external sanctions in the formation of the initial motives that shape moral conduct, highlighting its practical inefficiency as sources of obligation. Second, I present the sentimentalist theory of J. S. Mill as internal sanction, highlighting, in contrast, its efficiency as a source of obligation. Finally, I conclude that the sentimentalist theory of J. S. Mill, although limited by the conceptual apparatus of his time, provides a starting point for thinking about the means by which it is possible to put a moral standard into practice.

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References

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Published

2020-05-19

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 1 (2020)

Section

Papers

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