Scheler’s ethics and the problem of normativity

Abstract

Kant and Scheler both develop ethical frameworks which are grounded by their epistemic theories. In this thesis, I exposit both of these epistemologies and show their relations to the respective ethical theories. I then look at how those theories try to address the ‘problem of normativity’, which is the tension an ethical theory has between explaining why we have different ideals and codes of conduct while trying to also give prescriptive guidance for us in our decision making. As a consequence of their epistemologies, I argue that neither theory can do both.

Citation

(2016). Scheler’s ethics and the problem of normativity

• Keywords: Max Scheler, Immanuel Kant, Normativity, Values