Meta-ethical theories

Question 1

Define absolutism

Answer 1

The view that morals are fixed, unchanging truths that everyone should always follow

Question 2

Define relativism

Answer 2

The view that moral truths are not fixed and are not absolute. What changes according to the individual, the situation, the culture, time and place etc

Question 3

Define naturalism

Answer 3

Ethical theories that hold that morals are part of the natural world and can be recognised and observed in some way

Question 4

Define intuitionism

Answer 4

Ethical theories that hold that moral knowledge is received in a different way from science and logic

Question 5

What is the Vienna Circle?

Answer 5

A group of philosophers known as logical positivists who rejected claims that moral truth can be verified as objectively true

Question 6

Define emotivism

Answer 6

Ethical theories that hold that moral statements are not statements of fact but are either beliefs or emotions

Question 7

What is Hume’s Law?

Answer 7

You cannot go from an ‘is’ (statement of fact) to an ‘ought’ (a moral)

Question 8

What is the Naturalistic fallacy?

Answer 8

G.E Moore’s argument that it is a mistake to define moral terms with reference to other properties (a mistake to break Hume’s Law)

Question 9

What are Ross’ 7 ‘prima facie’ duties?

Answer 9

Fidelity
Reparation
Gratitude
Justice
Beneficence
Non-maleficence
Self-improvement

Question 10

Define Fidelity (prima facie duties)

Answer 10

Faithfulness to a person, cause or belief

Question 11

Define Reparation (prima facie duties)

Answer 11

Making amends for a wrong that has been done

Question 12

Define Gratitude (prima facie duties)

Answer 12

Being thankful, to show appreciation and returning with kindness

Question 13

Define Justice (prima facie duties)

Answer 13

Just behaviour or treatment

Question 14

Define Beneficence (prima facie duties)

Answer 14

A act of charity, mercy and kindness with a strong connotation of doing good to others

Question 15

Define Non-maleficence (prima facie duties)

Answer 15

Inflicting the least harm possible for a beneficial outcome

Question 16

Define Self-improvement (prima facie duties)

Answer 16

The improvement of one’s knowledge, status of character