META: ARGUMENTS Flashcards
Is ‘good’ the defining question of ethics… Why is good integral to morality?
If there is no factual basis for morality it might lead to immorality.
Is ‘good’ the defining question of ethics… What does addressing what goodness is affect?
Our moral motivations – if we believe there are absolute, fixed moral standards.
Is ‘good’ the defining question of ethics… What did Foot claim was more important to focus on?
Focussing on character, virtues, habit, and practice rather than on defining “good” is more useful.
How are naturalists supported in stating that ethical terms have an objective basis?
We have made considerable progress in attitudes, this implies that our ethical language describes real things.
What do intuitionists argue to support that ethical terms have an objective basis?
We pick up on non-natural properties like goodness and it does have an objective factual basis that is known to us through our moral sense.
Why does Stevenson believe that ethical terms only reflect the mind of the person using them?
They relate to our belief systems, experience, social background – so are they beliefs not facts.
Which other two thinkers believe ethical terms are just emotional responses?
Hume and Ayer.
How does Foot support the argument that ethical terms are meaningful?
A good person is someone with certain qualities – is moving towards excellence.
What does Stevenson state in support of ethical terms having meaning?
When looked at against the beliefs, background of the individual – we know why they are expressing these moral views.
Which two theorists believe ethical language is meaningless?
Hume and Ayer.
What can ethical terms be said to be that makes them meaningless?
Emotional utterances.
What three things link to the idea that from a common sense approach, people just know within themselves what is good, bad, right or wrong?
Psychology, conscience and spirituality.
What is the issue with believing people know within themselves what is good/bad/right/wrong?
Not everyone has the same sense of “wrongness” and is it a good idea to rely solely on our ‘moral compass’?
