Ⅴ．Conclusion: We Are One

In this paper, I have argued that the moral postulate is a valid ideal for two reasons. First, people are already involved in an already given moral horizon. People share a common point of view, which justifies the claim that morality has an objective component. Second, it is rationally justifiable, and it is in our interest to embrace the moral postulate in order to establish morality. We can all expect to benefit from morality. While the Hobbesian state of nature would be hell. Therefore, it is in the interests of everyone alike to be moral. Moreover, if we all hold the conviction and act upon this faith, the moral postulate can be realized in the long run by resolving moral disagreements. In other words, believing it is so may help to make it so, according to James’ self-fulfilling prophecy about belief that legitimizes hope when we do not know.

Since the moral postulate is a justifiable ideal of morality, it provides a reasonable answer to address the core issue of morality: the reason for a person to be moral. People are freed from the dichotomy between desire and duty. In fact, as Dewey suggests, the genuine good for a person must also be beneficial for the whole, and what is the “egoistic interest” in conventional understanding has an altruistic nature, too.

James’ self-fulfilling prophecy has illustrated that people can be unified only if the vast majority holds the moral postulate and acts upon this principle. By doing so, disagreements may diminish, and interests may dovetail in the long run. Therefore, it is essential for people to participate in a continual undertaking of the “moral struggle.” We treat moral belief as a hypothesis that can be empirically verified and whose validity can be tested by actions. If a proposal cannot be tested by actions and always fails to resolve the tension, then it is not confirmed by experience. Moreover,we need to restore confidence in the moral postulate that whatever is good for a person must be good for the community, and hence employ the point of view of others in discourses. In other words, rather than seeing judgments as absolute, eternal moral pronouncements, we come to see them as hypotheses that fit with the rest of our moral beliefs and have resolved the appropriate moral problems so far. We hold them true until we have reason to doubt them, recognizing that future moral problems may require revisions to our moral beliefs over time. As Dewey wrote, “Growth itself is the only moral end, ”Morality is an ongoing process rather than a present product.

Further studies need to provide a methodology for conducting effective discourse that can accelerate the process of resolving disagreements, and this methodology, according to Dewey, would be closely associated with political philosophy and ethics. Further studies also need to find a system that can guarantee the free exchange of opinions. These studies are critical to converting the ideal of the moral postulate to reality. I will quote Fitz James Stephen to end my discussion:

We stand on a mountain pass in the midst of whirling snow and blinding mist, through which we get glimpses now and then of paths which may be deceptive... We do not certainly know whether there is any right one. What must we do? Be strong and of good courage. Act for the best,hope for the best, and take what comes...

We do not know what the moral truth is, but we are on the road to finding knowledge. In the meantime, we have what has worked so far, what we presently hold true: the actionably right. Moral struggles will continue in the foreseeable future, but it is a justifiable choice for people to have the faith of the moral postulate, embrace open conversations, and hence face the moral struggles in reality.