The normativity of instrumental reasoning and the scope problem

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to explore a possible answer to the following question: In what sense can we say that instrumental reasoning is normative? Instrumental reasoning is understood here as a rational requirement, one that guides us in forming intentions toward the necessary means to ends that are already intended. Following the insights of John Broome (1999, 2013), I assume that rational requirements do not themselves imply reasons, especially reasons that could supposedly be derived from the means–ends relation characteristic of instrumental reasoning. The debate over the normativity of instrumental reasoning depends largely on the kind of scope assigned to rational requirements. I argue that rational requirements have a wide-scope, and that this conception avoids common misunderstandings concerning the relation between rationality and normativity; thereby, weakening the thesis that instrumental practical reasoning depends upon an independent normative foundation.