intuitionism Flashcards
what is intuitionism?
an ethical theory that claims moral facts are known through intuition and and innate truth, they exist independently of human beings (realism)
why is intuitionism a-priori?
a-priori as facts can be known prior to to empirical evidence or experience. the exist objectively and apply universally
what ways Is intuitionism translated into normative ethics?
consequentialist- intuition is used to know the ‘good’ we must then calculate the actions that produces maximum amount
deontological- intuition can be used to establish duties or obligations that apply universally
how to people know right from wrong?
humans have the in built ability to intuitively know the difference between right and wrong
why might a young child not have intuition?
intuition needs a mature mind so it is not infallible, moral institutions. a young child might not recognise this but with maturity it will become clear and self evident
how can moral intuitions be wrong according to Ross?
they can be wrong if we are not mature thinkers. Ross also claimed that they do not give us a prima facie reason to believe them unless there is evidence to the contrary
what is prima facie?
means based on first impression
what are Ross’s list of 7 prima facie duties?
- fidelity
- reparation
- gratitude
- non-injury
- justice
- beneficence
- self-improvement
how is one prima facie duty decided over the other if they clash?
ross argus there can ever be a true ethical dilemma, because one of the duties in a given situation is always the weightiest and overruled the others. this is the absolute obligation to perform
what did G.E Moore argue?
that we know what is good through intuition, it is then our duty to reason what will bring about the most good
what did H.A Pritchard argue?
agreed with Hume that we can’t derive an ought from an is. claimed that good is immediate and not based on anything else, and is apparent not needing any supporting evidence.
even if we find evidence of what is good it can lead to deeper uncertainty, there is no reason we ought do it.
we need to realise what we ought to do by intuition (deontological)
what were Prichard’s 2 ways of thinking?
- general thinking- uses empirical evidence to present logical arguments but cannot provide a moral obligation. should be used to reflect on intuition not challenge it
- Moral thinking- is the recognition of moral duty though intuition and is superior to general thinking. it is present in the mind that doesn’t apply reasoning to come to conclusions
why do some philosophers object to intuitionism?
- they don’t think that objective moral truths exist
- no way to distinguish between something actually being right an what seems right to the person
- one persons moral fact can different to another
- if there are real objective truths then they are presumably the same for everyone, yet people come to different outcomes
how did J.L Mackie challenge intuitionism?
says we cannot prove existence of moral intuition, as Moral properties are so unlike any other properties that exist.
what is Mackies argument for queerness?
there is no argument against our own intuition so how do we know what is right or if it exists
