XV—Normative Non-Naturalism and the Problem of Authority

Normative non-naturalism is the view that some normative properties are irreducible and non-natural. Against this view, it has been objected that non-natural properties like these would have no ‘normative authority’ over us. This paper formulates the objection in a particular way, and argues that standard non-naturalist responses are inadequate. The formulation here is distinctive in so far as it rests on no controversial principles connecting normative judgement and motivation.