Modern Moral Philosophy - Classic Text | Alexandria
Modern Moral Philosophy by Elizabeth Anscombe (1919-2001) stands as a watershed moment in 20th-century ethical thought, fundamentally challenging the prevailing moral philosophy traditions and inaugurating a revival of virtue ethics. Published in 1958 in the journal Philosophy, this revolutionary paper delivered a devastating critique of contemporary moral philosophy while advocating for a return to Aristotelian virtue ethics.
The paper emerged during a period of significant philosophical transition, when logical positivism was waning and analytical philosophy was gaining prominence in Anglo-American academia. Anscombe, a student of Ludwig Wittgenstein and already known for her translation of his Philosophical Investigations, wrote this piece amid the post-war moral questioning that characterized the 1950s. The timing was particularly significant as it coincided with broader societal debates about nuclear deterrence and just war theory, topics that deeply concerned Anscombe.
In this groundbreaking work, Anscombe introduces three main theses that would reshape ethical discourse: first, that moral philosophy should be set aside until we have an adequate philosophy of psychology; second, that concepts of moral obligation and duty should be jettisoned as they are remnants of an obsolete divine law conception of ethics; and third, that differences between renowned English moral philosophers from Sidgwick to her contemporaries were minimal. Perhaps most provocatively, she coined the term "consequentialism" to critique the utilitarian approach to ethics, a term that has since become standard in philosophical vocabulary.
The paper's influence continues to reverberate through contemporary moral philosophy, having sparked a renaissance in virtue ethics and inspired generations of philosophers to question fundamental assumptions about moral reasoning. Its impact extends beyond academia, influencing discussions in professional ethics, political theory, and applied moral philosophy. Modern readers still grapple with Anscombe's challenging question: can we meaningfully discuss moral philosophy without first understanding the psychological foundations of human action and intention? This enduring question exemplifies how Modern Moral Philosophy remains not just a historical milestone but a living document that continues to shape ethical discourse in the 21st century.