Which of the following best explains the proper role of principles in ethics, as Collins explains it?
A) Principles, understood as if-then statements that tell you what to do in certain circumstances, have no place in deliberation about ethics or the justification of moral claims.
B) Although sympathy is most important in moral deliberation, principles can sometimes play a guiding role, and although general principles are useless in justifying moral claims, more detailed principles are sometimes relevant.
C) Principles can be useful in moral deliberation, as long as they are informed by sympathy, but they have no role in justifying moral claims because any true moral principle is hopelessly vague.
D) Sufficiently detailed principles can play a role in justifying moral claims, but most people will be misled by principles in moral deliberation, which should proceed on the basis of sympathy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

B is correct because it acknowledges the importance of sympathy in moral deliberation while also recognizing that principles, especially detailed ones, can have a guiding and sometimes justifying role in ethics. This reflects a balanced view of the role of principles, acknowledging their limitations and their potential usefulness.

Which of the Following Best Explains the Proper Role of Principles