Meta Ethics

Question 1

Define meta ethics

Answer 1

Study of the foundations + meaning of ethical concepts or language

Question 2

Define epistemology

Answer 2

Regards the nature, sources + justification of knowledge and belief.

Question 3

What is cognitivism ?

Answer 3

Concept of meta ethics:

Moral concepts are absolutes that can be proven true or false

Question 4

What is noncognitivism?

Answer 4

Concept of meta ethics:

Moral concepts convey subjective emotions/opinions not truth

Question 5

Realism vs. Anti realism

Answer 5

Concepts of meta ethics:

Morals truths are absolutes and should be followed VS. relative to situation

Question 6

The Is-Ought Problem

Answer 6

Hume - logical gap

You cannot derive an “ought” (sentiment of moral duty) from an “is” (a fact about the world).

Question 7

Ethical Naturalism

Answer 7

Moral statements = can be verified empirically through discovery of human nature/world

• i.e morally right if fulfils human purpose + promotes happiness (NML + Ut)

Question 8

Ethical Non-Naturalism

Answer 8

Moral truths exist but are not observable or empirical.

• shown in Moores naturalistic fallacy

Question 9

What is the Naturalistic Fallacy?
(3)

Answer 9

Moore: principa ethica

• Mistake to define moral concepts in terms of natural properties (e.g., happiness/survival).
• “Good” is simple, indefinable, and cannot be reduced to anything else.
• Like yellow cannot be described

Question 10

Open question argument

Answer 10

Moore: Principa Ethica

Almost a test of his Naturalistic fallacy = shows that defining “good” in natural terms leaves a question:

E.g. One can ask “is happiness really good?” = they must be distinct concepts

Question 11

What is Intuitionism 🧠

Answer 11

Moral truths are verifiable through intuition = self-evident, direct awareness of right and wrong.

• cannot define moral truths but know through intuition
• I.e dont need to experience murder to know its wrong

Question 12

Scholar of intuitionism: Moore

Answer 12

Moral truths are known intuitively ≠ through senses

• “Good” is a simple, indefinable property like the color yellow 🟡
• Supported by Open q argument

Question 13

Scholar of intuitionism: Ross

Answer 13

Prima facie duties = self-evident moral obligations

• Fidelity, justice, gratitude
• These duties are binding unless overridden by stronger duties

Question 14

Evaluate intuitionism (4)

Answer 14

✅ Aligns with the concept of conscience
✅ Avoids reducing morality to science (naturalistic fallacy).

⛔️ People’s intuitions can conflict +are unfalsifiable
⛔️ Intuitions are shaped by culture and upbringing.

Question 15

🌌

Answer 15

Question 16

Emotivism

Answer 16

Non cognitive theory that moral statements express emotions not objective truths.

• Moral debates are about influencing others, not discovering facts.
• Ayer + Stevenson

Question 17

Ayer

Answer 17

Emotivism
Boo-Hurrah theory - moral statements are expressions of approval/disapproval.

Question 18

Stevenson

Answer 18

Emotivism
Expanded on Ayer’s ideas: moral language = persuasive function, to influence others’ emotions and actions.

Question 19

Weakness of emotivism

Answer 19

⛔️ No moral facts = can justify anything through emotion

Question 20

🌱

Answer 20

1963 IHAD speech
you’ve got this !!

Question 21

Prescriptivism

Answer 21

Non-cognitive theory that argues moral statements express commands that should be universalised.

Question 22

Hare 💇‍♂️ 🐇

Answer 22

Prescriptivism - moral statements are:

• Rational = moral reasoning is structured and logical, not just emotional expression
• Prescriptive = tell how ought to act.
• 🌍 Universalisability principle = must be consistent in moral judgment

Question 23

Evaluate prescriptivism (3)

Answer 23

✅ Consistency of moral rulers is fair + reflects religious teachings

⛔️ Cultural differences in morality ≠ universalise
⛔️ People can universalise immoral principles = lying