The Deontological Privilege of Conceptual Engagement

Reflections on the University of Vienna's "Philosophy as Conceptual Engagement" Program, found here:

Transitioning Modern Philosophical Engagement Toward Systemic Consequentialism

Introduction

Philosophy, in its most idealized form, seeks to engage with the fundamental questions of existence, ethics, knowledge, and reality. Yet, as the PACE project rightly points out, even the most eloquent philosophers often struggle to articulate a concise definition of philosophy itself. This ambiguity is further compounded by the highly contested field of metaphilosophy, where diverging methodologies offer conflicting perspectives on the nature and purpose of philosophical inquiry.

The PACE project introduces the hypothesis that much of philosophy, both historically and in contemporary practice, is engaged in what can be termed "conceptual engagement." This involves reflecting on our ways of thinking, exploring possible concepts, and evaluating these concepts for actual use. In this essay, I argue that while the PACE hypothesis provides a unifying framework for understanding philosophical practice, there is a need to transition from a purely deontological approach to conceptual engagement towards a more systemic consequentialist model. This shift would not only enhance the coherence of philosophical methodologies but also address the limitations and ethical implications inherent in the current deontological paradigm.

Conceptual Engagement and Its Deontological Foundations

The PACE hypothesis effectively captures the essence of philosophical practice as an ongoing engagement with concepts. The three elements of conceptual engagement—description of actual concepts, exploration of possible concepts, and evaluation of possible concepts for actual use—are deeply interconnected and mutually reinforcing. This approach mirrors a deontological commitment to the "rightness" of the philosophical method, focusing on the inherent value of reflecting on and improving our ways of thinking.

However, this deontological privilege of conceptual engagement, while valuable, has its limitations. The emphasis on duty and adherence to methodological rigor can sometimes obscure the broader consequences of philosophical inquiry. For instance, the traditional focus on descriptive accuracy or abstract exploration can lead to an overly narrow view of philosophy's role in society. It risks neglecting the practical implications and potential harms that may arise from certain conceptual frameworks, particularly in areas like ethics, epistemology, and political philosophy.

The Need for a Systemic Consequentialist Transition

To address these limitations, I propose a transition towards a systemic consequentialist model of conceptual engagement. This approach would retain the core elements of the PACE hypothesis but would prioritize the outcomes and impacts of philosophical inquiry on broader societal systems. Rather than merely asking whether a concept is descriptively accurate or methodologically sound, philosophers would also consider the potential consequences of adopting certain conceptual frameworks, both within and outside the academic sphere.

For example, in the realm of ethics, a consequentialist approach to conceptual engagement would not only explore the nature of moral judgments but also evaluate the real-world effects of different ethical theories on social justice, human well-being, and environmental sustainability. Similarly, in epistemology, philosophers would examine how various theories of knowledge influence public trust in science, education, and policy-making, considering the broader epistemic ecosystem.

This systemic consequentialist approach aligns with the overarching goal of improving our ways of thinking, as posited by the PACE hypothesis, but it also expands the scope of philosophical inquiry to include a critical examination of the societal and ethical implications of our conceptual choices. By doing so, philosophy can move beyond its internal methodological debates and engage more effectively with the pressing challenges of our time.

Methodological Implications

The transition to a systemic consequentialist model would require a rethinking of philosophical methodologies. While the PACE project emphasizes the diversity of methods and approaches within philosophy, a systemic consequentialist approach would advocate for greater methodological integration and interdisciplinarity. Philosophers would need to collaborate more closely with scholars from other fields, such as social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities, to assess the broader impacts of their conceptual frameworks.

Moreover, this approach would encourage philosophers to adopt more empirical and experimental methods, as advocated by some experimental philosophers, to test the real-world consequences of their theories. This does not mean abandoning the traditional tools of philosophical analysis, such as thought experiments and a priori reasoning, but rather supplementing them with empirical data and practical considerations.

Addressing Potential Objections

One potential objection to the systemic consequentialist model is that it may undermine the autonomy of philosophy by subjecting it to external standards of utility and practicality. However, I argue that this approach does not diminish the value of philosophical inquiry but rather enhances it by ensuring that philosophy remains relevant and impactful in addressing contemporary issues. Philosophy, after all, has always been concerned with the pursuit of wisdom, and wisdom requires not only understanding but also the prudent application of knowledge for the greater good.

Another objection could be that the systemic consequentialist approach may lead to a homogenization of philosophical methodologies, stifling the diversity of perspectives that is essential to the discipline. In response, I contend that this approach does not seek to eliminate methodological diversity but rather to contextualize it within a broader framework of consequentialist analysis. Different methods can and should coexist, but they must be evaluated not only for their internal coherence but also for their external consequences.

Conclusion

The PACE hypothesis offers a compelling framework for understanding the nature of philosophical practice as conceptual engagement. However, to fully realize the potential of this framework, we must move beyond the deontological privilege of methodological rigor and embrace a systemic consequentialist approach. This transition would enable philosophy to better address the complex challenges of our time, ensuring that our conceptual frameworks not only reflect the world as it is but also contribute to building a more just, equitable, and sustainable future.

In this way, philosophy can fulfill its highest calling—not merely as a discipline concerned with abstract reflection, but as a transformative force for good in the world.