Abstract
The main purpose of this study is to examine the ethical thought of the logical empiricist philosopher Hans Reichenbach. He introduces his ethical theory in accordance with the conception of “Scientific Philosophy”. This comprehension assumes that philosophy is constructed on a scientific basis, and that except for science, neither metaphysics nor any other concept can be the source of philosophy. According to this understanding, statements of metaphysics, ethics, religion, or aesthetics cannot have cognitive meaning. For this reason, Reichenbach criticizes Socrates, Plato, Baruch Spinoza, and especially Immanuel Kant, who try to base their moral views on cognitive foundations and asks this question: What is the structure of ethical statements? Reichenbach argues that ethical judgments are imperatives and express our volition. The fundamental objective of moral imperatives is not to provide sense content about the matter of facts but to guide our behaviours and shape our social life. The main source of these imperatives is the subject himself or herself. Reichenbach states that individualistically, everybody is free to form their moral imperatives and asks others to abide by them. However, to avoid confusion individuals should discuss their moral directives in a democratic atmosphere and reach social agreements. Put another way, it is possible to achieve moral directives through social agreements in which everybody actively participates. Reichenbach not only develops an ethical theory but also attempts to propose a solution to the problem of free will. He asserts that indeterminism, which comes into prominence with the quantum physics, provides important opportunities to overcome this problem. Finally, his main goal is analyze the nature of morality. According to him, the philosopher must not set up moral rules but investigate the structure and source of ethics by making logical analyzes. When examined at large, it should be stated that Reichenbach’s ethical thought is included in the category of non-cognitive theories in meta-ethics.