Final answer:
Thiroux suggests that emotions should not be the sole basis for moral decision-making because they are too unreliable and individualistic, which can lead to subjectivity and biased judgments. Philosophers have debated the role of emotions in ethics, emphasizing the importance of balanced approaches that combine rationality with emotional understanding.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Thiroux's opinion, a main reason that we should NOT base a theory of moral decision making on emotion is that emotions are too unreliable and individualistic. This assertion aligns with concerns that relying on emotion in ethical reasoning might lead to subjectivity and inconsistencies, as emotions can vary greatly from person to person. Emotions, being tied to personal experiences and inherent biases, may not provide a stable foundation for universal moral principles that can be applied objectively in various situations. Moreover, strong emotions can sometimes cloud a person's judgment, potentially compromising the ability to assess moral situations impartially.
Philosophers like Hume observed that while emotions and moral sentiments play a role in our ethical decisions, they are not based on objective facts and therefore could lead to differing moral conclusions. Similarly, critiques of hedonistic philosophies highlight the subjective nature of pleasure, raising doubts about its reliability as a basis for ethics. Yet, it is important to recognize the contributions of thinkers like Mencius who argued for the importance of compassion and empathy in ethical actions, suggesting there may be a balance between rational principles and emotional insights in moral decision-making.
Thus, while emotions furnish important insights and contribute to the richness of human experience, Thiroux and other ethicists caution against their sole reliance in formulating a coherent and consistent moral theory. Instead, moral frameworks are often grounded on principles perceived to be more stable and universally applicable, such as reason or established virtues.