Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-s2hrs Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-09T15:20:19.796Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Money motives, moral philosophy, and biological explanations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 April 2006

Adrian J. Walsh*
Affiliation:
Philosophy Discipline, School of Social Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australiawww.une.edu.au/arts/Philosophy/STAFF/awalsh.htm

Abstract

Lea & Webley (L&W) provide two alternative biological accounts of human monetary motivations, the Tool Theory and the Drug Theory. They argue that both are required for an adequate explanation. I explore the applicability of these models to philosophical discussions of how we might justify such motivations. I argue their approach is not entirely satisfactory for normative questions, since it precludes the possibility of rational non-instrumental attitudes towards money.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2006

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)