Spiegel, Irina (2025) The Possibility of a General Theory of Normativity in Light of the Number-Counts-Debate. [Preprint]

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Abstract

This article revisits Taurek’s famous question: Should the greater number be saved in situations of resource scarcity? At the heart of this debate lies a central issue in normative ethics—whether numerical superiority can constitute a moral pro tanto reason. Engaging with this question helps to illuminate core principles of normative theory. Welfarism$^{min}$ presents a pro-number position. The article first outlines Taurek’s original argument. It then examines non-welfarist responses and explains why they remain unsatisfactory. Finally, it identifies the main shortcomings of the hybrid welfarism$^{min}$ approach and suggests a possible alternative for more adequately addressing the Taurek problem.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Spiegel, Irina irina.spiegel@lrz.uni-muenchen.de
Keywords:	Number-counts-debate, aggregation, welfarism, neo-contractualism, Taurek problem.
Subjects:	General Issues > Decision Theory Specific Sciences > Psychology > Social Psychology General Issues > Thought Experiments
Depositing User:	Dr. Irina Spiegel
Date Deposited:	15 Jul 2025 13:06
Last Modified:	15 Jul 2025 13:06
Item ID:	25951
Subjects:	General Issues > Decision Theory Specific Sciences > Psychology > Social Psychology General Issues > Thought Experiments
Date:	31 June 2025
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/25951

Available Versions of this Item

• The Possibility of a General Theory of Normativity in Light of the Number-Counts-Debate. (deposited 28 Jun 2025 15:20)
  • The Possibility of a General Theory of Normativity in Light of the Number-Counts-Debate. (deposited 15 Jul 2025 13:06) [Currently Displayed]

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