Question

Actualism is the view that only the actual is possible. Moral nihilism is the belief in the nonexistence of morality. My question is, does actualism imply moral nihilism? At least in my case, the reason I don't believe in morality, is because I believe only the actual is possible. Morality, to me, seems a hypothetical assertion, like "X is morally right because if X happened, the world would have more pleasure/utility". But I don't believe in hypotheticals. My question really is, does actualism imply moral nihilism? Or is it possible to consistently be both an actualist and a believer of the existence of morality?

Answer 1

Actualism does not inherently imply moral nihilism; it's possible to be an actualist and still believe in moral values—these are seen as part of the actual world in some ethical theories like natural law.

Step-by-step explanation:

While actualism posits that only the actual is possible, suggesting a focus on concrete realities over hypotheticals, it does not inherently imply moral nihilism. Moral nihilism is the belief in the nonexistence of morality, and it represents a distinct philosophical stance. The belief that only actual things are possible does not necessarily negate the existence of moral facts or values; it may instead influence the way an individual perceives or engages with moral reasoning.

One may hold to actualism and still acknowledge moral values as part of the actual world, particularly if aligning with ethical theories like natural law theory, which anchors morals in natural, observable phenomena. Conversely, moral realism, the idea that morality is objective and not subjective, stands in sharp contrast to moral nihilism and suggests that moral truths are part of the fabric of reality. Therefore, it is possible to consistently be both an actualist and a believer in the existence of morality, depending on one's interpretation of how moral facts fit within the scope of actuality.