Introduction to Moral Philosophy: Chapter 4 - Nihilism and Subjectivism

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on moral philosophy, specifically focusing on nihilism and subjectivism.

What is moral nihilism?

The belief that morality is a complete fiction and there is no such thing as right and wrong.

What does subjectivism claim about morality?

Morality is a human invention and is rooted in human attitudes and practices.

How does moral realism differ from moral anti-realism?

Moral realism holds that values exist independently of human beliefs, while moral anti-realism denies this.

What is the key argument against moral realism?

Moral anti-realism argues that morality does not exist independently outside of human thought.

Define universalism in moral philosophy.

The belief that there is a single correct moral position that is valid for all people and at all times.

What does objectivism in moral philosophy entail?

It combines universalism and moral realism, asserting that moral truths are universally applicable.

What is psychological egoism?

The view that individuals always act in their own self-interest.

What is Nietzschean nihilism?

The idea that our moral system is an arbitrary construction that should be rejected.

What is 'slave morality' according to Friedrich Nietzsche?

A morality defined by the Christian Church that values traits like humility and meekness.

What does Nietzsche mean by revaluation of all values?

The call to replace current morality with one that is more 'fit' for life and human flourishing.

What is individual subjectivism?

The belief that moral truths are determined by each individual's preferences.

What is the expressivist view of moral judgments?

Moral judgments express our attitudes rather than stating facts about the world.

How do thick moral concepts differ from thin moral concepts?

Thick moral concepts provide rich descriptive content, while thin concepts primarily communicate moral approval or disapproval.

Give an example of a thick moral concept.

'Kind,' as it describes behaviors and characteristics that can be truth-evaluated.

What is the argument from queerness as proposed by J.L. Mackie?

If objective values existed, they would be very strange entities and moral properties do not exist.

What is moral error theory?

The position that all moral beliefs are false because they presuppose the existence of non-existent moral properties.

What does the evolutionary debunking argument claim?

It argues that our moral beliefs can be explained through evolutionary processes, suggesting moral realism is false.

What is ideal knowledge subjectivism?

The view that moral goodness is determined by what individuals would choose if they had full knowledge and perfect rationality.

What is the significance of moral disagreement in individual subjectivism?

It suggests that moral disagreements are akin to disagreements over personal preferences.

What does A.J. Ayer argue regarding emotivism?

He suggests that while moral judgments are rooted in preferences, these preferences can change with new experiences.

How does Stevenson’s expressivism differ from simple expressivism?

Stevenson emphasizes that moral language is a means of persuasion, inviting others to share moral judgments.

What is the significance of emotivism in discussions of moral language?

Emotivism posits that moral language expresses emotional responses rather than objective truths.

What challenge do thick moral concepts pose to expressivism?

Thick moral concepts describe objective properties, while expressivism claims moral judgments only express attitudes.

What distinguishes cognitivism from noncognitivism in moral philosophy?

Cognitivism holds that moral judgments can be true or false, while noncognitivism denies this.

What constitutes a moral belief according to moral realism?

A belief that is based on mind-independent moral values.

What does the term 'moral anti-realism' refer to?

The rejection of the idea that moral truths exist independently of human beliefs.

How does evolutionary biology relate to moral beliefs?

It offers explanations for moral beliefs based on human evolution and social practices.

Explain the distinction between 'to-be-doneness' and non-moral language according to Mackie.

Mackie argues that moral properties would require an intrinsic obligation to act, which non-moral properties do not have.

What is a universal agreement in the context of moral truth?

A claimed condition under which moral truths could exist, though there is currently no such agreement.

How do moral practices promote social cohesion according to the evolutionary argument?

They enhance fitness by fostering cooperation and group solidarity within human communities.

What are the implications of cultural variation for moral truths?

Cultural differences in moral practices raise questions about the existence of any universal moral truths.

What is cognitive dissonance in the context of moral judgments?

The discomfort experienced when holding conflicting moral beliefs or making judgments contrary to values.

What role does preference play in ideal knowledge subjectivism?

Preferences are shaped by a hypothetical ideal version of an individual with complete knowledge.

What are the pros of subjectivism in moral philosophy?

It simplifies understanding moral beliefs and how they motivate action.

How does expressivism address moral disagreement?

Expressivism posits that moral disagreements reflect varying attitudes rather than objective truths.

Define moral judgment according to subjectivism.

Moral judgments are essentially statements about an individual's preferences regarding actions or beliefs.

What is the critique of moral nihilism in philosophical discourse?

That it implies a lack of moral norms or guidelines, leading to potential ethical chaos.

What are common criticisms against emotivism?

It fails to provide a resolution to moral disagreements and reduces morality to mere emotional expression.

What is the problem of radical ethical subjectivism?

It leads to the conclusion that moral disagreements are insubstantial since they are mere expressions of individual preference.

What is the importance of ‘to-be-doneness’ in moral discussions?

It speaks to the intrinsic motivations or obligations perceived in moral judgments, which some argue do not exist.

How do thin moral concepts operate linguistically?

They are primarily used to express approval or disapproval related to moral evaluations.

What challenges do expressivists face with thick moral concepts?

Thick concepts present a descriptive aspect that expressivism struggles to account for in its framework.

What do the discussions of morality and language reveal about human interaction?

They highlight how moral language shapes social norms and influences relationships within communities.