Jurgen Habermas is a philosopher we have recently studied in Contemporary Philosophy. All non-philosophy majors, you may now clean your vomit off of yourself. He has an idea that is very interesting and important to understand. I will be brief.
His idea is that there ARE universal moral values. (no moral skeptics allowed)
But he understands that there are a multitude of different and society's from which moral values are formed. Often these values can come into conflict with values from somewhere else.
Moral Skeptics think this is reason to say there are no universal moral values. Silly Moral Skeptics. Not so.
Habermas believes there must be rational public discourse in order to determine what values are universal. Though they may be difficult to reach, he believes ultimately they will be reached anyway. Rational public discourse: talking about things, using reason to establish claims with relevant grounds, out in the open and with a goal in mind.
This idea that rational public discourse is essential is something that escapes so many people. Politicians certainly are not into this kind of chat. Neither are churches. Or school boards. Or the food industry. Or college students. Or anyone.
What would the world be like if people at the very least attempted to acknowledge the biases of their respective backgrounds and then agreed to a conversation that hopes to result in find common ground? It seems so simple but everyone is so caught up in themselves. I am caught up in myself.
The solution: stop. think.
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