Addressing Moral Problems Through Practical Reasoning

Abstract. In this paper, following the work of Hare, we consider moral reasoning not as the application of moral norms and principles, but as reasoning about what ought to be done in a particular situation, with moral norms perhaps emerging from this reasoning. We model this situated reasoning drawing on our previous work on argumentation schemes, here set in the context of ActionBased Alternating Transition Systems. We distinguish what prudentially ought to be done from what morally ought to be done, consider what legislation might be appropriate and characterise the differences between morally correct, morally praiseworthy and morally excusable actions.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2006
• Where: DEON
• Authors: Katie Atkinson, Trevor J. M. Bench-Capon
• Keywords: ActionBased Alternating Transition, Automated Reasoning, DEON 2006, Moral Norms, Moral Reasoning