by Shepard the Voluntaryist
I coined an acronym that several people have asked about. I will seek here to explain what I use the term REELS to mean. I have heard many people talk about “feelz” based worldviews, an emotion-based system to coming to hold beliefs. I prefer a more advanced system.
The “REELS” acronym refers to a set of principles that are frequently utilized in contemporary moral philosophy to justify ethical claims. The first component of REELS, Reason, is grounded in the notion of human rationality, which emphasizes the ability of individuals to engage in logical deliberation and argumentation. By utilizing reason, moral philosophers are able to construct cogent and defensible arguments that are grounded in sound logical principles.
The second component of REELS, Empirical Evidence, emphasizes the importance of data and observable phenomena in justifying ethical claims. Empirical evidence provides a means of corroborating or refuting theoretical arguments by grounding them in objective observations of reality. As such, empirical evidence is an essential tool for ensuring that moral claims are grounded in a rigorous and systematic analysis of the world around us.
The third component of REELS, Logic, involves the use of rational principles to construct ethical arguments. Logic provides a framework for constructing valid and sound arguments, which are essential for developing ethical principles that are internally consistent and coherent. By employing rigorous logical reasoning, moral philosophers are able to construct ethical frameworks that are clear, concise, and logically defensible.
Finally, the Scientific Method represents a process for testing out ethical claims in a systematic and controlled manner. The scientific method provides a means of empirically testing moral hypotheses and determining whether they are accurate or not. This allows for moral claims to be subjected to rigorous scrutiny and ensures that only those claims that are empirically supported are accepted as valid.
REELS
Together, REELS provides a powerful framework for justifying ethical claims by grounding them in reason, empirical evidence, logic, and the scientific method. By utilizing these principles, moral philosophers are able to develop ethical frameworks that are both coherent and empirically supported, providing a rigorous foundation for ethical reasoning and decision-making.
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