Patricia Churchland and Adela Cortina: two rival versions of neuroethics
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5007/1808-1711.2026.e104212Keywords:
Neuroethics, Patricia Churchland, Adela Cortina, Attachment, Cordial ReasonAbstract
This article aims to confront two conceptions of neuroethics developed by two philosophers: Patricia Churchland and Adela Cortina. Firstly, Churchland's neuroethical proposal, of a naturalistic nature, is presented. Churchland argues that morality derives from the social feelings developed by animals and related to care and cooperation with others. Against this approach, Cortina's neuroethical theory is presented. The Spanish philosopher proposes a conception of neuroethics that integrates emotion within rationality, in light of the discoveries made by neuroscience. To achieve this, Cortina defends an ethic of cordial reason and a communicative democracy. Furthermore, Cortina criticizes reductionism and the methodological errors of neuroscience in its attempt to explain the moral phenomenon. Finally, Cortina's criticisms of Churchland's naturalistic approach are analyzed.
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