Explaining the Normative
Normativity is what gives reasons their force, makes words
meaningful, and makes rules and laws binding. It is present
whenever we use such terms as 'correct,' 'ought,'
'must,' and the language of obligation, responsibility, and
logical compulsion. Yet normativists, the philosophers committed to
this idea, admit that the idea of a non-causal normative realm and
a body of normative objects is spooky. Explaining the Normative is
the first systematic, historically grounded critique of
normativism. It identifies the standard normativist pattern of
argument, and shows how this pattern depends on circularities,
assumptions about the unique correctness of preferred descriptions,
problematic transcendental arguments, and regress arguments that
end in mysteries.
The book considers in detail a paradigm case: legal normativity
as constructed by Hans Kelsen. This case exemplifies the problems
with normativist arguments. But it also shows how normativism was
constructed as an alternative to ordinary social science
explanation. The normativist argument is that social science
explanations themselves are forced to rely on normative
conceptsÑminimally, on normative rationality and on a
normative view of 'concepts' themselves.
Empathic understanding of the reasoning and meanings of others,
however, can solve the regress problems about meaning and
rationality that are central to the appeal of normativism. This
account has no need for a parallel normative world, and has a
surprising and revealing lineage in the history of philosophy, as
well as a basis in neuroscience.
Chapter 1 What Is the Problem of Normativity? 1
Chapter 2 The Confl ict with Science and Social Science 29
Chapter 3 A Paradigm Case: The Normativity of the Law 66
Chapter 4 Lustral Rites and Systems of Concepts 95
Chapter 5 Communities, Collective Intentions, and Group Reactions 119
Chapter 6 Rationality or Intelligibility 150
Epilogue 186
References 206
Index 216
writing, Stephen Turner is indefatigable. More than this, the
quality never slips."
Thesis Eleven
"A very important stimulating addition to current philosophical
discussion; it presents arguments every normativist should come to
grips with."
Organon
"Turner has done contemporary philosophy and social science a great
service by holding up a mirror to some forms of normativism; he has
given it the best gift one can: geniunely struggled with it, tried
to give it voice, and then said how he feels about it. He has also,
in his best moments, helped create a clearing where more fruitful
dialogue between normativism and naturalism can take place. Let us
wait and see whether those who identify with normativism can come
to meet him there."
Human Studies
"Turner's very clear and measured writing can easily underplay
the significance of his message, which needs to be taken very
seriously by anyone concerned about the future of philosophy and
the social sciences."
Times Higher Education Supplement
"This book does to the many overblown claims concerning
'normativity' what Turner previously did against fashionable ideas
of 'social practices': throws cold water on extravagant claims made
on behalf of norms as a distinctive and unavoidable basis for
social inquiry. The real strength of this analysis is the way that
Turner shows that the current debates about norms have a long
history, the consideration of which is essential to understanding
the current discussion for good or ill. The book is certainly the
best of its kind and an important contribution."
James Bohman, Saint Louis University
"This is the most systematic discussion of normativity by a
social theorist (or philosopher of the social sciences). The
argument is forceful and original throughout. Turner brings
together considerations from a variety of different fields -
philosophy of law, philosophy of the social sciences, philosophy of
mind and language, cognitive science - and these different strands
re-enforce and strengthen one another. It is particularly
intriguing to see how philosophers defending normativity have in
many ways 're-invented the normative wheel' that some social
theorists have used for a long time. This book should be obligatory
reading for philosophers and social scientists alike."
Martin Kusch, University of Vienna