Feelings and Moral Decision-Making: Ethics, Theories, and Obstructions

What role do feelings play in moral decision-making?

Feelings can influence moral decisions, acting as both instinctive responses and trained reactions to moral dilemmas.

What is the debate surrounding the role of emotions in ethics?

Some ethicists argue that emotions are essential for meaningful ethical decisions, while others believe that rational, emotionless thinking is necessary.

What are the two theories that focus on feelings in morality?

The two theories are Ethical Subjectivism and Emotivism.

How do some ethicists view feelings in relation to moral judgments?

They view feelings as necessary for ethical judgments, suggesting that both emotions and rational thinking play roles in ethical decision-making.

What is Ethical Subjectivism?

A meta-ethical theory stating that moral judgments are based on personal feelings and attitudes, denying objective morality.

How does Ethical Subjectivism differ from objective morality?

Ethical Subjectivism claims that moral truths depend on individual or group feelings, while objective morality asserts that moral facts exist independently of personal opinions.

What does Ethical Subjectivism imply about moral statements?

It implies that saying something is morally good means the speaker approves of it, and saying something is morally bad means the speaker disapproves of it.

What are the potential obstacles feelings can create in ethical decision-making?

Feelings can lead to misinterpretations or exaggerations that hinder the ability to make ethical decisions.

What is the significance of moral sentiments in ethics?

Moral sentiments emphasize the need for sympathy and emotional engagement in moral considerations.

How can emotions serve as motivations in ethical behavior?

Emotions can provide the impetus to act morally by expressing approval or disapproval of actions.

What is the role of rational thinking in ethical decision-making?

Rational thinking is crucial for evaluating ethical dilemmas and making informed decisions.

What does the phrase 'feelings as instinctive responses' refer to in ethics?

It refers to the idea that feelings can be innate reactions to moral dilemmas, influencing ethical judgments.

What is the impact of emotional responses on moral judgments?

Emotional responses can shape moral judgments by reflecting personal values and societal norms.

What is the relationship between feelings and ethical decision-making?

Feelings can both aid and obstruct ethical decision-making, depending on how they are interpreted and applied.

What is the significance of role-playing in understanding moral dilemmas?

Role-playing helps individuals explore emotional and rational responses to ethical situations, facilitating deeper understanding.

What is the concept of moral sense as herd instinct?

It suggests that moral judgments may arise from social instincts and collective sentiments rather than objective reasoning.

How do emotions influence the perception of controversial ethical topics?

Emotions can lead to polarized views on topics like homosexuality or abortion, reflecting personal feelings rather than objective truths.

What is the role of sympathy in moral decision-making?

Sympathy is essential for understanding others' perspectives and making compassionate ethical choices.

What are the implications of viewing emotions as obstacles in ethics?

This view suggests that unchecked emotions can cloud judgment and lead to unethical decisions.

How can trained emotional responses aid ethical decision-making?

Trained emotional responses can enhance empathy and moral reasoning, guiding individuals toward ethical actions.

What is the significance of discussing feelings in the context of ethics?

Discussing feelings helps clarify their complex role in moral reasoning and decision-making.

What is the potential danger of exaggerated emotional responses in ethics?

Exaggerated emotional responses can distort ethical judgments and lead to irrational decisions.

How do feelings contribute to the meaning of life according to some ethicists?

Feelings, such as love and compassion, are seen as essential for a meaningful life and moral framework.

What is the relationship between ethical theories and personal feelings?

Ethical theories often reflect the interplay between personal feelings and broader moral principles.

What does Ethical Subjectivism propose about moral statements?

It suggests that saying something is morally good means we approve of it, while saying something is morally bad means we disapprove of it.

How does Ethical Subjectivism allow for individual moral reasoning?

It implies that individuals can think for themselves and do not have to agree with societal norms.

What is a major criticism of Ethical Subjectivism regarding moral judgments?

It suggests that personal approval alone makes an action good, which can lead to justifying harmful behaviors.

How does Ethical Subjectivism handle moral disagreements?

It claims there is no real disagreement since both parties are correct as long as they express their feelings sincerely.

What is a consequence of Ethical Subjectivism for moral education?

It may lead to teaching children to simply follow their feelings without developing proper moral reasoning.

What does Emotivism claim about moral judgments?

It states that moral judgments express positive or negative feelings rather than conveying truth or facts.

Who is a key philosopher associated with Emotivism?

Charles L. Stevenson.

What does the phrase 'X is right' mean according to Emotivism?

'Hooray for X!' indicating approval rather than a factual statement.

How does Emotivism differ from Ethical Subjectivism?

Emotivism views moral judgments as expressions of emotion, while Subjectivism focuses on personal approval as the basis of morality.

What is the stance of Emotivism on moral truths?

Emotivism denies the existence of moral truths and knowledge, viewing moral statements as expressions of feelings.

What philosophical view underpins some arguments for Emotivism?

Logical positivism, which asserts that legitimate truth claims must be empirically verifiable.

How does Emotivism categorize language use?

It recognizes that language can express facts, commands, or emotions, with moral judgments primarily expressing emotions.

What is an example of a non-factual statement in Emotivism?

A command like 'Close the door!' which is not true or false but aims to prompt action.

What implications does Ethical Subjectivism have for moral evaluation?

It implies that individuals are infallible in their moral judgments as long as they express their feelings sincerely.

What argument can be made against the infallibility claim of Ethical Subjectivism?

People can be mistaken in their moral evaluations, indicating that Ethical Subjectivism cannot be correct.

How does Ethical Subjectivism relate to societal norms?

It allows individuals to reject societal norms in favor of personal feelings regarding morality.

What is a potential danger of teaching Emotivism in moral education?

It may lead students to follow their emotions without critical evaluation of their moral beliefs.

What is the implication of Ethical Subjectivism on issues like slavery and racism?

These issues could be deemed acceptable if individuals express approval of them, undermining moral standards.

What does the disagreement between John and Peter about hazing illustrate?

It shows that Ethical Subjectivism fails to account for genuine moral disagreements, as both cannot be correct.

What is the primary purpose of commands in communication according to the text?

To influence conduct rather than convey information.

What type of utterances are not statements of fact?

Commands and expressions of attitudes, such as 'Hurrah for Ramos!'

How does Emotivism interpret ethical sentences?

As attempts to influence behavior rather than convey factual information.

What is an example of an Emotivist interpretation of 'Stealing is immoral'?

It is equivalent to saying 'Don't do that!'

How does Subjectivism differ from Emotivism in interpreting ethical sentences?

Subjectivism views them as statements of fact about the speaker's attitude.

What does Subjectivism equate with the statement 'Hazing is immoral'?

'I (John) disapprove of hazing.'

What criticism is leveled against Emotivism regarding moral truths?

It denies moral truths and knowledge, diluting the concept of morality.

Why is Emotivism considered self-refuting?

Because it is based on logical positivism, which is not verifiable by sense experience.

What is a potential consequence of Emotivism in ethical disputes?

It could lead to anarchy, as it encourages emotional manipulation over reasoned debate.

What distinguishes moral judgments from mere expressions of personal preference?

Moral judgments must be supported by reasons, while personal preferences do not require justification.

What example illustrates a statement of personal preference?

'I like a sweet cake,' which does not require supporting reasons.

How does Emotivism view moral claims?

As matters of feelings rather than testable truths.

What role do feelings play in ethical decision-making according to the text?

Feelings can be relevant and influence decisions about right and wrong.

How does Christian philosophy relate to feelings in morality?

It emphasizes love, which is a strong emotion, as central to moral living.

What should guide moral decisions alongside emotions?

Careful consideration of a full range of right goals, including altruistic ones.

What is the relationship between emotions and ethical decisions?

Emotions can provide motivation to act ethically and correct injustices.