Ngaji Filsafat 177 : John Dewey - Etika Pragmatisme #3

Summary

The script critiques traditional moral theories, highlighting how they set unrealistic and unreachable standards for human behavior, causing a disconnect between ideal morality and everyday life. It emphasizes the importance of a practical, achievable approach to moral goals, advocating for 'inview'—a more grounded, context-specific approach. This perspective focuses on adapting goals to real-world limitations, encouraging individuals to set attainable objectives based on their capabilities and circumstances. The speaker criticizes elitist moral systems and stresses that real happiness and moral growth come from aligning ideals with reality, suggesting that a more realistic, accessible form of moral philosophy would lead to better societal behavior.

Takeaways

• 😀 Traditional moral theories are criticized for being too abstract and disconnected from everyday life.
• 😀 John Dewey argues that these idealized moral standards, such as ultimate happiness or spiritual perfection, are unrealistic and impractical for most people.
• 😀 The concept of 'in view' goals is introduced by Dewey, focusing on achievable, context-based moral objectives rather than distant ideals.
• 😀 Moral standards should be grounded in real-life situations and be achievable within the capabilities of ordinary people.
• 😀 The critique of elitism in moral theories: high moral standards can alienate people and feel unapproachable for the average person.
• 😀 Dewey's philosophy suggests that focusing on practical, achievable moral goals leads to more effective moral behavior and social progress.
• 😀 The gap between ideal and real moral standards can cause frustration and disengagement from moral efforts.
• 😀 In Dewey's view, education and moral institutions fail to address the real-world concerns of people due to their lofty and disconnected standards.
• 😀 The importance of reflecting on the real situation at hand and considering available resources before setting moral goals.
• 😀 Dewey’s naturalistic and empirical approach to ethics emphasizes that humans are always changing and adapting, and moral standards must reflect this dynamic reality.

Q & A

What is John Dewey's critique of traditional moral theory?

John Dewey critiques traditional moral theories for being overly speculative and disconnected from daily reality. He argues that these theories, such as those by philosophers like Aristotle and Socrates, focus too much on ultimate goals or standards that are unrealistic and far removed from practical life.

How does Dewey differentiate between different levels of happiness?

Dewey differentiates happiness into physical, spiritual, and religious levels. Physical happiness is basic, while spiritual happiness is higher, and the peak of happiness is religious. He argues that focusing on such ultimate happiness is too abstract and detached from the real world.

Why does Dewey believe debates about moral standards are problematic?

Dewey believes debates about moral standards are problematic because they focus on ideals that are too abstract and speculative, making them irrelevant to practical, everyday life. As a result, moral discussions become disconnected from reality.

What is the core issue Dewey identifies with moral education?

Dewey identifies that moral education, while widespread, often fails because it teaches ideals that are too elitist and disconnected from people's real lives. He suggests that this approach cannot effectively build character in students.

How does Dewey view the division between intrinsic and instrumental good?

Dewey sees a dangerous division between intrinsic good (ideal moral standards) and instrumental good (real, achievable goals), arguing that this separation isolates moral ideals from reality and makes them unapproachable for most people.

What is the impact of an elitist moral standard on society, according to Dewey?

Dewey argues that an elitist moral standard, which is unattainable for the average person, creates a hierarchical society where moral values become exclusive, leading to a lack of connection between ethics and everyday life.

What solution does Dewey propose to the problem of unattainable moral standards?

Dewey proposes the concept of 'in view'—a more realistic and attainable moral goal. He suggests that people should set moral objectives that are achievable within the context of their current situation, rather than aspiring to distant, abstract ideals.

How does Dewey suggest one should approach setting moral goals?

Dewey suggests that moral goals should be 'in view'—meaning they should be grounded in the individual's current reality and context. Goals should be concrete and achievable, with a focus on what is practical and within reach.

How does Dewey connect the concept of 'in view' to personal happiness?

Dewey links 'in view' to happiness by stating that true happiness comes from finding what one is fit to do and having the opportunity to do it. He emphasizes that setting realistic, achievable goals leads to a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.

What is the significance of naturalism and empiricism in Dewey's philosophy?

Naturalism and empiricism are central to Dewey's philosophy, as they emphasize the need to consider the changing, empirical nature of human life when setting goals or moral standards. Dewey argues that ideals should be adapted to real-life situations, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of human experience.