Ethical intuitionism

Ethical Intuitionism

Ethical intuitionism is a meta-ethical view that suggests that moral truths are known by intuition. This philosophical theory posits that humans have a natural faculty that gives us an immediate awareness of moral truths, similar to how we perceive mathematical truths or logical axioms.

Historical Background

Ethical intuitionism has its roots in the works of early modern philosophers such as Ralph Cudworth and Henry More, who were part of the Cambridge Platonists. However, it was in the early 20th century that ethical intuitionism gained prominence through the works of philosophers like G.E. Moore, H.A. Prichard, and W.D. Ross.

G.E. Moore

G.E. Moore is often credited with reviving ethical intuitionism in the 20th century. In his seminal work Principia Ethica, Moore argued against the "naturalistic fallacy" and proposed that "good" is a simple, indefinable quality that we know through intuition.

W.D. Ross

W.D. Ross further developed ethical intuitionism by introducing the concept of "prima facie duties" in his book The Right and the Good. Ross argued that our moral intuitions reveal a set of self-evident moral principles that guide our ethical decision-making.

Key Concepts

Intuition

In ethical intuitionism, intuition is understood as a direct, non-inferential awareness of moral truths. It is not based on empirical observation or logical deduction but is instead an immediate apprehension of moral facts.

Moral Realism

Ethical intuitionism is often associated with moral realism, the view that there are objective moral facts that exist independently of human beliefs or perceptions.

Self-Evident Truths

Intuitionists argue that certain moral propositions are self-evident, meaning that they are known to be true without needing further justification. These truths are akin to axioms in mathematics.

Criticisms

Ethical intuitionism has faced several criticisms, including:

• Subjectivity: Critics argue that intuition is inherently subjective and can vary greatly between individuals, leading to conflicting moral judgments.
• Lack of Empirical Evidence: Some philosophers contend that intuition lacks empirical support and cannot be reliably tested or verified.
• Cultural Relativism: The diversity of moral intuitions across cultures suggests that intuitions may be culturally conditioned rather than universally valid.

Contemporary Relevance

Despite criticisms, ethical intuitionism remains influential in contemporary moral philosophy. It has been defended by philosophers such as Robert Audi and Michael Huemer, who argue that intuition plays a crucial role in moral epistemology.

See Also

• Moral intuition
• Moral epistemology
• Deontological ethics
• Virtue ethics

References

• Moore, G.E. Principia Ethica. Cambridge University Press, 1903.
• Ross, W.D. The Right and the Good. Oxford University Press, 1930.
• Audi, Robert. Moral Knowledge and Ethical Character. Oxford University Press, 1997.