The case for moral perception

J. Wisnewski

pp. 129-148

in: Phenomenology and the cognitive sciences 14 (1), 2015.

Abstract

In this paper, I defend the view that we can literally perceive the morally right and wrong, or something near enough. In defending this claim, I will try to meet three primary objectives: (1) to clarify how an investigation into moral phenomenology should proceed, (2) to respond to a number of misconceptions and objections that are most frequently raised against the very idea of moral perception, and (3) to provide a model for how some moral perception can be seen as literal perception. Because I take "moral perception" to pick out a family of different experiences, I will limit myself (for the most part) to a discussion of the moral relevance of the emotions.