Moral Optimism versus Moral Pessimism: In Search Of an Existential Prima

Abstract

Arguments abound as to the raison d’etre of morality. These have created a deep moral disagreement across cultures leading to widespread skepticism about the objectivity of morality. These have also led a lot of thinkers to theorize on morality either from an optimist or pessimist point of view. This work enquires into the value of moral optimism and moral pessimism from the standpoint of man’s existential situation and aspires to understand which of the two positions will prima facie, benefit man as he lives in the society.

Keywords: Morality, Optimism, Pessimism, Existentialism, Prima facie.