META: NATURALISM Flashcards
What is ethical naturalism?
“Good” etc is linked to empirical evidence - as property in this world. Ethical language has meaning.
What is ethical naturalism seen as?
A form of absolutism.
What is fixed in hedonic naturalism?
The nature of “good” - is fixed as pleasure.
What does Bentham seem to think about pleasure?
If pleasure is good, then it is the good for everyone and we must absolutely maximise it - he defended his form of hedonic utilitarianism.
What can be used as an example of a relativist naturalism?
If a society practised cannibalism, cannibalism would be the norm – a natural fact of that society.
What do ethical naturalists believe good, bad, right and wrong are?
Absolute.
How can a statement be factual/meaningful according to ethical naturalists?
Can be verified.
Who argues that virtues are examples of moral absolutes?
Foot.
What do Bradley and Foot believe morals can be perceived through?
The world in the same way that other features of the world are identified.
What do ethical naturalists believe about morals?
Not about ‘your opinion’ but objectively true.
What does Bradley claim that morals are?
Observable as part of the concrete world.
What does Hume believe we cannot move from and to?
Cannot move from an objective factual statement based on observations of the world to a subjective moral statement.
What is Hume’s Law?
“IS does not imply OUGHT”.
What quote does Hume state in criticism of ethical naturalism?
“tis the object of feeling, not of reason. It lies in yourself not in the objects.”
What does Foot state about human action?
“The fact that a human action or disposition is good of its kind … is a fact about a given feature.”
