F. H. Bradley - Moral Philosophy

Moral Philosophy

Bradley's view of morality was driven by his criticism of the idea of self used in the current utilitarian theories of ethics. He addressed the central question of 'Why should I be moral?'

He opposed individualism, instead defending the view of self and morality as essentially social. Bradley held that our moral duty was founded on the need to cultivate our ideal 'good self' in opposition to our 'bad self'. However, he acknowledged that society could not be the source of our moral life, of our quest to realise our ideal self. Some societies for example may need moral reform from within, and this reform is based on standards which must come from elsewhere than the standards of that society.

He made the best of this admission in suggesting that the ideal self can be realised through following religion.

His views of the social self in his moral theorising are relevant to the views of Johann Gottlieb Fichte, George Herbert Mead, and Pragmatism. They are also compatible with modern views such as those of Rorty and Anti-individualism approaches.