Psychology Dictionary of ArgumentsHome
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| Ideal observer: An ideal observer in philosophy is a hypothetical observer who is perfectly rational, impartial, and informed. The concept is often used to discuss the nature of moral right and wrong. Other philosophers argue that this is unrealistic as we are all human beings with our own biases and limitations. See also Impartiality, Rationality, Observation, Objectivity._____________Annotation: The above characterizations of concepts are neither definitions nor exhausting presentations of problems related to them. Instead, they are intended to give a short introduction to the contributions below. – Lexicon of Arguments. | |||
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Adam Smith on Ideal Observer - Dictionary of Arguments
Rawls I 184 Ideal observer/society/order/justice/dam Smith/Rawls: something, e. g. a social system, is fair, if an ideal impartial observer from outside would judge this from a general point of view, if he/she had all relevant information about the circumstances. (See Roderick Firth,"Ethical Absolutism and the Ideal Observer", Philosophy and Phenomenological Research, vol. 12,1952; F. C. Sharp, Good and Ill Wll, Chicago, 1950, pp. 156-162; A. Smith, The Theory of Moral Sentiments, in L. A. Selby-Bigge, British Moralists, vol. I Oxford, 1897, pp. 257-277. >Observation, >Method, >Idealization, >Knowledge, >Impartiality, >Circumstances, >Economy, >Society, >Systems. For a more general discussion: C. D. Broad,"Some Reflections on Moral-Sense Theories in Ethics". Proceedings oft he he Aristotelian Society, vol. 45 (1944-45). W. K. Kneale "Objectivity in Morals", Philosophy, vol. 25 (1950).)_____________Explanation of symbols: Roman numerals indicate the source, arabic numerals indicate the page number. The corresponding books are indicated on the right hand side. ((s)…): Comment by the sender of the contribution. Translations: Dictionary of Arguments The note [Concept/Author], [Author1]Vs[Author2] or [Author]Vs[term] resp. "problem:"/"solution:", "old:"/"new:" and "thesis:" is an addition from the Dictionary of Arguments. If a German edition is specified, the page numbers refer to this edition. |
EconSmith I Adam Smith The Theory of Moral Sentiments London 2010 EconSmithV I Vernon L. Smith Rationality in Economics: Constructivist and Ecological Forms Cambridge 2009 Rawl I J. Rawls A Theory of Justice: Original Edition Oxford 2005 |
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