Moral Particularism

“The same feature may count for an action in one case and against it in another.”

01 / PLAINLY

What it means, plainly

Moral particularism says that a reason can change weight or direction with context instead of always depending on fixed general rules.

02 / CONTEXT

A little more

Moral particularism questions whether sound judgment always depends on fixed general principles. A reason's weight can shift with context and with the other reasons present.

03 / WHY IT MATTERS

Why it matters

It prevents blind use of a maxim when other details of the case transform what that reason supports.

04 / EXAMPLE

A familiar example

A story's surprise may favor telling it at a party, yet favor silence when that surprise would put someone at risk.

05 / LIMIT

What it does not mean

It does not say anything goes or that judgment is a reason-free hunch.

06 / NOTICE

Notice it in your day

Apply “telling the truth is good” to an ordinary conversation and to a case where disclosure would endanger someone. Identify the detail that changes the reason's force.

FINAL NOTE

The idea worth keeping

Before applying a maxim, check whether context changes the force or direction of the reason.

QUESTIONS / 02

Questions people still have

How can the same feature support opposite choices?

Its moral importance can shift with the context and with the other reasons in the case.

Does moral particularism say that anything goes?

No. It still requires reasons, while denying that their force is fixed once and for all.