Rossian Moral Pluralism in the Philosophy Classroom

Abstract

In this paper, we outline central features of David Ross’s moral pluralism and show why it is an attractive subject for philosophy classes in secondary schools. We argue that Ross’s pluralistic theory constitutes an important systematic alternative to monistic theories, such as Kant’s moral theory and act utilitarianism, which often dominate ethics courses in secondary schools. Ross’s theory also provides students with a much-needed theoretical framework for expressing an independent view which integrates elements from different theories covered in ethics courses. Based on our outline of Ross’s version of moral pluralism, we also sketch a unit in which advanced level students are introduced to and discuss central elements of Ross’s pluralistic moral theory. The overarching aim is to encourage students to engage with a potential limit of monistic theories and with an alternative normative approach to moral thinking, thereby refining their conceptual tools for expressing and discussing their own moral views.