meta - 3. Assess whether or not ethical terms such as good, bad, right and wrong, have an objective factual basis that makes them true or false in describing something Flashcards
1
Q
intro
A
- These ethical terms are objective and are true or false when describing something
- Supported by naturalism
2
Q
paragraph 1
A
- Naturalism argues that ethical terms such as good bad right and wrong can be observed and are cognitive
- Aquinas – the world has God-given natural order that we can discover through observation and reasoning
- There are moral absolutist fixed truths about the world
- Is a strong argument as there is agreement of moral values throughout the world, this is not a matter of opinion it is factual truth.
- Example of this is saying that bricks are solid and not a liquid or a gas – these are undeniable truths this is the same when you consider ethical terms
3
Q
paragraph 2
A
- On the other had can be argued from an emotivist point of view (A.J Ayer) where these words as simply an expression of emotion and are therefore not meaningful – as a result are neither true or false
- There is no factual value added when you use words such as wrong
- SUCCESSFUL COUNTER, removes naturalistic fallacy’s as there is no link to the world
- Also, there are no facts when considering this language these are solely feelings and attitudes
- There is no truth value in these statements they are subjective (COUNTERS THE TRUTH VALUE AQUINAS SAYS THAT THERE IS)
- Example – if you say that you are wrong to lie – wrong adds no factual value
- You are simply expressing your opinion that lying (in this situation is wrong)
4
Q
paragraph 3
A
- NOT SUCCESSFUL, this reduces ethical discussions to a matter of opinion
- EXAMPLE, killing is wrong is not comparable to a discussion around food
- They must be objective and true/ false to be able to understand ethical debates
- Supported by Philippa Foot – example of a concentration camp and therefore cannot be right
- There are significant debates that can’t be reduced to opinion - Debates become futile if you are using ‘boo-hurray’ theory and attitude to discussing ethics
5
Q
conclusion
A
- These words do have and objective factual basis that makes them true and false
