Intuitionism - challenges

Question 1

What are JL Mackie’s two ways in which we fail to prove the existence of objective intuitive moral knowledge?

Answer 1

• our sense of obligation is utterly unlike the way we gain knowledge in any other area
• objective values are qualities completely unlike anything else that can be found in the universe.

Question 2

The issue of intuitionism having no basis in empirical knowledge

Answer 2

In any other situation, if I claim something as a fact, I would be expected to produce evidence to support it.

Question 3

What else could our apparent intuition be?

Answer 3

Psychological conditioning from society.

Question 4

Intuitive truths differing

Answer 4

• None of the intuitionists can agree on what is our moral obligation.
• Moore is consequentialist whilst Pritchard and Ross is deontological

Question 5

No obvious way to resolve conflicting intuitions

Answer 5

Intuitionism gives no real guidance on this matter.

Question 6

How can our intuition be distorted?

Answer 6

Can be distorted by unrelated influences such as the order in which we encounter aspects of a dilemma. Suggests intuitions are not self-evident.