Q4: Chang

Question 1

Trichotomy thesis

Answer 1

x is intrinsically better than y, or y is intrinsically better than x, or x has the same intrinsic value as y

Question 2

Chang’s thesis:

Answer 2

Chang argues that the Trichotomy Thesis is false, in that evaluative properties do not obey this thesis.

Question 3

Chang’s Small Improvement Argument:

Answer 3

1. Mozart is not more creative than Michelangelo and Michelangelo is not more creative than Mozart.
2. If 1 is true and the trichotomy thesis is correct, then Mozart and Michelangelo are equally creative.
3. If Mozart and Michelangelo are equally creative, then Mozart+ is more creative than Michelangelo.
4. Mozart+ is not more creative than Michelangelo.
5. So, the trichotomy thesis is not correct.
6. Mozart, Mozart+, and Michelangelo are comparable with respect to creativity.
7. If 5 and 6 are true, then there is a fourth evaluative relation; namely, the relation expressed by ‘is on a par with’.
8. Thus, there is a fourth evaluative relation expressed by ‘is on a par with’.

Question 4

Incommensurability

Answer 4

“no common measure” - i.e. pleasure and fairness, can’t compare the two

Question 5

Incomparability

Answer 5

not able to be compared

Question 6

Objection to Chang

Answer 6

Mozart and Michelangelo are incomparible, but not incommensurable. This conclusion forces one to doubt the idea that value comes in quantities (at least, any comparable quantities).