W.D. Ross: Revisiting Ethical Pluralism and Its Impact on Modern Moral Philosophy

Introduction

The philosophical landscape of ethics has undergone significant transformations since the early 20th century, with one of the most notable contributions being that of the Scottish philosopher Sir William David Ross (1877-1971). Ross’s ethical framework, known as ethical pluralism, emphasizes the complexity of moral life and the interplay of various ethical principles. This paper will explore Ross’s ethical pluralism, its foundational tenets, and its implications for modern moral philosophy. The purpose of this report is to dissect the principles of Ross’s ethical pluralism, examine its relevance in contemporary ethical discussions, and assess its impact on modern moral philosophy, particularly in contrast to more monistic ethical theories such as utilitarianism and Kantian deontology.

Ethical Pluralism: An Overview

W.D. Ross introduced the notion of ethical pluralism as a response to the limitations he perceived in both utilitarianism and Kantian ethics. His seminal work, “The Right and the Good” (1930), argues that moral obligations are not reducible to a single principle. Instead, he posits that there are multiple, often conflicting moral duties that individuals encounter in their lives. Ross identifies a set of prima facie duties—such as fidelity, reparation, gratitude, justice, beneficence, self-improvement, and non-maleficence—that serve as the foundation for moral decision-making. The concept of prima facie duties is crucial in Ross’s ethical framework.