MA Thesis Defense: Angel Enriquez

‘Knowledge before harm: knowledge-centered consequentialism’
Angel Enriquez (Cal State Long Beach)
25 Jun 2026 •  11:00am–1:00pm  •  MHB–915

Abstract: Parfit’s work in population ethics—particularly on the ‘repugnant conclusion’—revealed, among other things, a deeper structural problem within normative ethics concerning the persistent effects of moral uncertainty in normative theories. I argue that, under conditions of persistent moral uncertainty, normative ethics ought to prioritize reducing uncertainty before committing to claims about moral goodness and right action.
     The empirical sciences have methods for reducing uncertainty through observation, prediction, and experimentation; by contrast, these comparable procedures for resolving disagreements between moral theories are absent within normative ethics. As a result, its moral theories remain underdetermined.
     In response, my thesis develops a ‘knowledge-centered’ consequentialist framework that binds normative ethics to epistemology. Drawing from scientific procedures, it argues that the rational response to moral uncertainty is to prioritize the acquisition and improvement of knowledge, to include prioritizing the conditions needed for its maximization. This approach does not presuppose or require any specific axiomaticization or moral calculus; instead, it treats epistemic improvement as a necessary condition for moral discovery, regardless of whether moral realism or skepticism is ultimately correct.
     Building on this foundation, I introduce the framework’s ‘stored-value’ principle, as well as characterize what I define as ‘morally relevant’ knowledge. This thesis also demonstrates how the framework offers a response to the repugnant conclusion, and ends by addressing objections and some controversial implications.

Oral defenses are open to the public.

For a draft copy of the thesis in advance, please contact Angel <angel.enriquez01@student.csulb.edu> directly.