Abstract

Conceived as a textbook, this work is divided in three sections. In the first, the “Beginning of Moral Philosophy,” the author broaches the thorny issue of using moral practice as a springboard for the elaboration of a moral philosophy. To think of morals as a practice means to compare general norms with a particular kind of behavior. The author points out that moral judgments are not perceptions but rather judgments of practical reason, that is, judgments that apply moral principles to particular circumstances. Insofar as they are moved by practical rationality, Abbá takes moral judgments as the starting point of moral research. Thus, moral philosophy has the task of justifying the immanent rationality of moral judgments, in order to ensure a harmony between the ends and the concrete realizations. According to Abbá, the transition from moral practice to moral philosophy arises from the fact that our conduct can be shaped and explained by way of philosophical elaboration. Proceeding in this direction, some unavoidable questions arise: What kind of person do I want to be? Who am I truly? The answers will supply the subiectum, that is, the subject matter of moral philosophy.