A Whiff of Morality?

Inspired by William Lycan’s work on both naturalistic moral realism and olfaction, an inquiry is begun into the relations between moral value and smell. Surprisingly, after reflecting on the differences between smell, on one hand, and color and sound, on the other, there are reasons to think that, in certain circumstances, value can be literally smelled, in the way that fetid smells are disgusting. Relations are discussed between nutritional value, prudential value, and moral value, and how these kinds of value may be literally perceived. Recent data supporting olfaction’s role in some value-laden experiences is discussed and the most obvious objections to smelling (moral) value are dispelled.