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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

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