The Dissenter

#1117 Stephen Morris - Moral Damages: The Case for Abolishing Morality

Jun 30, 2025
Guest
Stephen Morris
In this conversation, Stephen Morris, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at The College of Staten Island, dives into his provocative book, "Moral Damages: The Case for Abolishing Morality." He challenges the idea of objective moral truths and discusses moral abolitionism as a remedy for the harmful fallout of traditional morality. Morris explains how morality can justify violence, influence politics negatively, and affect personal well-being. He argues for non-moral resources in fostering cooperation and examines alternatives to moral frameworks that might promote happiness and societal stability.
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INSIGHT

Morality's Role in Violence

  • Morality historically causes more violence than it prevents, fueling terrorism, war, and genocide.
  • Moral justifications are often central in motivating large-scale and small-scale violence worldwide.
INSIGHT

Morality Abolition and Well-Being

  • Abolishing morality may reduce violence and improve well-being without losing personal satisfaction from kindness.
  • Rejecting moral blame fosters forgiveness and less guilt, potentially increasing happiness.
INSIGHT

Critiquing Moral Fictionalism

  • Moral fictionalism suggests pretending morality is real for social benefits despite knowing it's false.
  • Morris argues pretending morality exists reinforces harmful folk morality and thus rejects fictionalism.
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