Meta Ethics Flashcards
1
Q
Ethical Naturalists
A
- Ideas about good can be scientifically proven
- Eudaimonia is an extension of scientific ideas
- Aristotle and Aquinas observed human nature and observed we all want to flourish
- Ethical statements are fact
e. g. Primary precepts, “to reproduce” we must not kill to fulfil purpose
2
Q
G.E Moore
A
- Good Is a simple idea that cannot be broken down any further
- Cannot explain good, like we cannot explain the colour yellow
- Intuitionism, we cannot define good we just know it.
- Naturalistic fallacy
3
Q
W.D Ross
A
- Intuitvely know when something is right
- Duty to carry out certain actions e.g. Prima facie duties
- e.g. Keeping a promise
4
Q
A.J Ayer
A
- Statements are either analytic or synthetic, and abortion is wrong is neither
- Just an expression of emotion (Emotivism)
- Boo- Hurrah theory, moral statements come from our emotional responses to situations e.g. when i say fox hunting is wrong i am saying boo to fox hunting
5
Q
C.L Stevenson
A
- Persuade someone to have the same emotional response as me
6
Q
Naturalistic Fallacy
A
- You cannot jump from an is to an ought
- ## e.g. Aborton is wrong so i ought not to have an abortion
7
Q
Analytic
A
- Statement true by definition e.g. 1+1=2
8
Q
Synthetic
A
- Statement that can be verified through the senses
e. g. It’s snowing
9
Q
James Rachels
A
- Moral judgements do appeal to reason
10
Q
Prescriptivism
A
- Prescribing a course of action
- Aquinas’s Primary precepts
11
Q
Emotivism
A
- Expressing your emotions through ethical statements
12
Q
Cognitive
A
- Factual assertions that can be proved true or false
13
Q
Non Cognitive
A
- Language has no meaning at all
14
Q
RM Hare
A
- Ethical statements are prescriptive and universal. When I say “Murder is wrong”, I am writing a law which I believe others should follow.
- Universalisation
