Date of Award
8-7-2018
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Philosophy
First Advisor
Neil Van Leeuwen
Second Advisor
Daniel Weiskopf
Abstract
In this paper, I propose a novel theory of sacred values, which are a recently proposed type of conative attitude meant to account for religious and political actions that are incomprehensible using theories of rational choice (Atran 2016; Baron & Spranca 1997; Tetlock et. al. 2000). Sacred values are unique mental states because they encode unconditional preferences for certain privileged outcomes. I develop Isolated Sacred Value Theory by formulating two decision principles that reflect behavior in morally-relevant circumstances: the inviolability principle and the unrankability principle. Having formulated my proposal, I consider the impact of my proposal on extant theories of rational choice (e.g. von Neumann & Morgenstern 1944). Lastly, I apply ISVT to problems regarding the typical extension of sacred values and the possibility of immoral actions.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.57709/12519365
Recommended Citation
Pecotic, Adrian, "Isolated Sacred Value Theory: An Account of Moral Conative Attitudes." Thesis, Georgia State University, 2018.
doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/12519365