Engineering concept/word pairings in philosophy and in politics

FRANCISCO GARCÍA GIBSON

Taller; Taller preparatorio red UKLAPPN; 2017

Centro de Investigaciones Filosóficas

In this paper I argue that a certain kind of conceptual engineering aimed at political change is morally questionable and should be regarded as a last resort. Once we understand that many attempts to engineer loaded words are manipulative, we must conclude that engineering in philosophy, even practical philosophy, is hardly permissible. Engineering only makes sense (both within and outside the philosophy seminar room) as a lesser evil. If others are already engaged in engineering, and they are employing it to bring about morally unjustified political change, then perhaps the lesser evil is to engage in engineering ourselves. We may be forced to fight manipulation with manipulation.