Meta-ethical theories (Edexcel A-Level Religious Studies): Flashcards

Moral truths exist objectively, known via non-sensory intuition

Ethical language expresses beliefs that can be true or false

Moral properties (like goodness/badness) exist in reality

Mistake to define ethical terms in relation to something else

Goodness is real but not a natural property (non-naturalism)

'Good' is a simple notion - you know it when you see it

'Good is good' - it cannot be defined, understanding is intuitive

Intuition shows right action AND we have moral duty to do it

Good apart from any of the results it produces

Fidelity, reparation, gratitude, non-injury, beneficence, justice

Moral actions need motivation; requires desire not reason

Intuitions vary; lack of moral agreement suggests a problem

Abductive argument; no proof of universal intuition for agreement

Set of core moral principles exists in all societies

Not same; what's obvious to you may not be obvious to me