Meta Ethics Flashcards
Cognitive theory
Naturalism
Ethical statements same as non ethical statements
Can be proved by looking at the natural world - empirical
We form moral theories to fit what we see
Criticism of naturalism
Hume
You can’t derive an ought form an is
Can’t make rules from observations
Hitler is the leader of the nazis
Hitler was a good man
Criticism of naturalism
GE Moore
You can’t identify goodness with a natural quality
Naturalist fallacy
Cognitive theory
Intuitionism
Good = indefinable, instinctive
Like colour, can’t be broken down into simpler terms
Moral judgement is based on infallible instinct of knowledge of good things
Ethical judgment is not the same as factual, we observe ethics via consequences
Cognitive theory
Intuitionism - Prichard
We have a duty to work out good vs bad
When people disagree over morality, one person has underdeveloped reason
We balance reason and intuition = morality
Cognitive theory
Intuitionism - WD Ross
We have first sight duties that come first, such as justice and fairness
Criticism of intuitionism
Macintyre
“the word intuition is a signal that something has gone badly wrong”
Cognitive theory
Criticisms of Intuitionism
No empirical evidence
Most intuitions differ
Subjective - impractical to society
Non Cognitive theory
Emotivism
Language of ethics just expressions of opinion
It’s relative
Verification principle
Non cognitive theory
Emotivism - AJ Ayer
Murder is wrong = I don’t like murder
Purely personal preference
A command evoking someone to action
Weak verification principle
Non cognitive
Emotivism - Stevenson
Ethical language is Reciprocal - we expect others to agree
Criticism of Stevenson’s Emotivism
Brandt
Stevenson assumes a magnetic influence
Our language doesn’t really influence others
Criticism of Emotivism
Macintyre
Emotivism wrongly places child carers and pedophiles as equals
Criticism of Emotivism
Thompson
Boo hurrah theory
“You cannot reduce morality to s set of cheers and boos”
Cognitive theory
Strengths of intuitionism
Appeals to human nature
Avoids complex debate
