Moral philosophy: logical classification

Rule of construction

Let C(v) be the children of an internal node v. Define one discriminator f_v: C(v) → V_v. Require c_i ≠ c_j ⇒ f_v(c_i) ≠ f_v(c_j). The selected node gives the discriminator, values, scope, and sources.

Method: this is a rule-based classification, not factor analysis. SEP supports the local distinctions. No single SEP article asserts the entire tree.

Mode = logical content Systematic questions Classified by the question answered. This contains metaethics and normative ethics. Mode = intellectual provenance Historical lineages Classified by formative lineage. This contains schools and movements rather than doctrinal answers.

SEP basis: Moral Phenomenology distinguishes second-order metaethics from first-order normative ethics, then divides normative ethics into general theory and applied inquiry. Moral Theory explains why several familiar theory families are useful but rough. The map keeps rough or cross-cutting material out of exact sibling partitions.

Logical classification tree

The small line in each box is that child’s value under the parent discriminator.

Select a box to open or close its branch. Keyboard: ↑ parent, ↓ child, ← → siblings.

Swipe sideways to see the rest of a wide branch.