Moral Rules Are Overrated | Iris Murdoch's Secret: Prof. Debbie Roberts on Thick Concepts

Discover the power of Thick Concepts in Meta-ethics with Prof. Debbie Roberts on the Jay Thakkar Show. Learn why Philosophy of Science and Moral Philosophy are key to success. ABOUT THIS EPISODE What if the way you describe a situation is actually an ethical act? In this episode, Prof. Debbie Roberts (Head of Philosophy, University of Edinburgh) breaks down why our standard ideas of "right and wrong" are too thin. We dive into Thick Evaluative Concepts—like kindness, courage, and brutality—and how they help us see reality more clearly than any scientific formula. If you want to understand the "ethics of description" and how to make better decisions in 2026, this masterclass is for you.WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:✅ Thick vs. Thin Concepts: Why words like "kind" tell us more than "good." ✅ The Bullying vs. Banter Test: How context changes our moral reality. ✅ Ethics in Science: Why concepts like "well-being" and "risk" are indispensable to researchers. ✅ The Art of "Unselfing": Iris Murdoch’s secret to seeing people without your ego. ✅ Moral Particularism: Why you don't always need "rules" to do the right thing. TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Introduction: Prof. Debbie Roberts 1:45 - What are "Thick Evaluative Concepts"? 5:30 - Why describing a situation is an ethical choice 10:15 - Challenging the "Supervenience" of ethics 15:00 - Thick concepts in Science (Invasive species & Well-being) 20:45 - Iris Murdoch and the concept of "Unselfing." 24:30 - Moral Particularism: Life without rigid principles 27:00 - Recommended reading: From Bernard Williams to Succession RESOURCES MENTIONED:Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy by Bernard Williams The Sovereignty of Good by Iris Murdoch Moral Articulation by Matthew Congden #JayThakkarShow, #Philosophy, #MetaEthics, #DebbieRoberts, #SuccessMindset, #MoralPhilosophy, #Ethics2026, #JTSLICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item=================================================This license certificate documents a license to use the item listed belowon a non-exclusive, commercial, worldwide and revocable basis as part ofone specific project to create an End Product.Item Title: Epic IntroItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/epic-intro-56B7HSYItem ID: 56B7HSYAuthor Username: alexshulginLicensee: First GrowLicense Name: EnvatoLicense Date: January 28th, 2026Item License Code: 2KQTLG689CThe license you hold for this item is only valid if you complete your EndProduct while your subscription is active. Then the license continuesfor the life of the End Product (even if your subscription ends).This license is subject to the Envato Elements User Terms(https://help.elements.envato.com/hc/en-us/articles/360000629006-Envato-Elements-User-Terms)and License (https://elements.envato.com/license-terms), which form partof this certificate. If there's any inconsistency, those terms prevail.For any queries related to this document or license please contactEnvato Support via https://help.elements.envato.com/hc/en-us/requests/newWhat We OfferIn-Depth Interviews: Engaging dialogues with leading academics and professionals on topics ranging from philosophy and education to entrepreneurship and personal development.Educational Series: This series dives deep into subjects like epistemology, the purpose of life, and more, providing valuable insights and knowledge to broaden your horizons.You'll join a community committed to personal growth, intellectual exploration, and meaningful conversations by subscribing. Whether you're a student, young professional, or lifelong learner, Jay Thakkar Show is your platform for inspiration and enlightenment.