Minimalist Axiologies

(Every part of this series builds on the previous parts, but can also be read independently.)

Minimalist axiologies, or theories of value, are views whose central conception of independent value says “The less this, the better.” In other words, their fundamental standard of value is only about the avoidance of something, and not about the maximization of something else.

This series explores minimalist axiologies that are impartial and welfarist (i.e. concerned with the welfare of all sentient beings), with a focus on highlighting some neglected (positive) features of these views.

In practice, minimalist axiologies are better thought of as a criterion of rightness rather than as a decision procedure. (More on this in a future post on multi-level minimalism.)