Metaethical Theories and Moral Philosophy

These flashcards summarize key metaethical terms and theories, along with notable arguments from various philosophers discussed in the lecture.

Moral Realism

The belief that there are objective moral facts and properties independent of human opinion.

Moral Anti-Realism (Irrealism)

The denial of objective moral facts; values are not part of the fabric of the world.

Cognitivism

The view that moral judgments express beliefs and are capable of being true or false.

Non-Cognitivism

The denial that moral judgments are truth-apt; these judgments express non-cognitive sentiments or attitudes instead of beliefs.

Projectivism

The view that we project our subjective sentiments onto the world, interpreting them as if they were objective properties.

Error Theory

Mackie's belief that all moral judgments are uniformly and systematically false due to the non-existence of objective values.

Argument from Queerness

Mackie's argument stating that if objective values existed, they would be entities of a strange sort, requiring a special faculty to perceive.

Argument from Relativity

The observation that the wide variations in moral codes between cultures suggest these codes reflect ways of life rather than perceptions of objective truths.

Korsgaard’s Normative Question

The question 'Why should I be moral?' which reflects the unique human capacity to reflect on their impulses and morality.

Practical Identity

The concept that one's reasons for acting are rooted in their conception of who they are, influencing moral obligations.

Hypothetical Imperatives

Moral obligations that depend on an individual's desires; they only compel action if linked to a specific desire.

Double-level Moral Theory

A moral framework distinguishing between ideal rules and non-ideal rules for addressing moral dilemmas or evils.

Categorical Imperative

A fundamental principle in Kantian ethics that demands actions be universalizable and respect others as ends in themselves.

Moral Obligations

Universal duties derived from an individual's humanity, unlike obligations that arise from specific social roles.

No-priority View

McDowell's stance that moral sentiments and the features of the world are reciprocally related, akin to color perception.

False Dichotomy

McDowell's criticism of Blackburn's view, suggesting that the choice between intuitionism and projectivism overlooks viable alternatives.