Chapter 1-8 Summary: Reagan on Challenges to Morality (How Not to Answer Moral Questions)

A set of practice flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on morality, including Stevenson's view on science and morality, Reagan's critique of common methods for answering moral questions, subjectivism, emotivism, moral authority, and rational moral reasoning.

What challenge to morality did Charles Stevenson address regarding science and moral decision making?

He argued that science can inform moral disagreements by providing empirical facts about beliefs; morality involves values, which are not physical properties, yet science can help resolve belief-based disputes.

What is the central claim of Reagan's 'How Not to Answer Moral Questions'?

Moral questions should not be answered by appealing to personal preferences, feelings, opinions, majority opinions, or authorities; instead, we should reason and cite reasons.

How does Reagan distinguish moral judgments from personal preferences?

Moral judgments are normative claims about how things should be; preferences are descriptive about what one person prefers.

Why does Reagan think abortion is not simply a personal preference?

Because it is a claim about the morality of the act itself that requires reasons; not just a preference.

What is emotivism?

The view that moral judgments express personal preferences or feelings and aim to persuade rather than state factual claims.

Why are reasons important in moral judgments?

Because actions are right or wrong based on reasons, not merely on feelings or preferences.

What is the descriptive vs normative distinction illustrated by the vanilla vs chocolate ice cream example?

Descriptive: I prefer vanilla; normative: vanilla is the better choice; normative claims require reasons, not just preference.

What does Reagan mean by 'The Right Opinion'?

The morality of an action should be assessed on the action itself and the reasons supporting it, not on personal feelings or preferences.

Why isn't majority opinion a reliable basis for morality?

Because the majority can be mistaken; moral truth requires rational justification, not popularity.

What is Reagan's stance on appealing to religious authority for morality?

Do not stop at authority; go to the reasons the authority would give and consider interpretive issues; there can be differing interpretations.

What are the six components of Reagan's rational moral reasoning?

Conceptual clarity; empirical information; reason; impartiality; reflective endorsement; aim to derive correct moral principles.

Why is impartiality crucial in forming moral principles?

To ensure general applicability and avoid bias, fostering trust and cooperation in society.

What is Reflective Endorsement?

A moral judgment should be made in calm, non-emotional conditions, allowing rational evaluation.

What is the role of facts in moral decision making?

Facts provide context and consequences; they inform how we apply moral principles but do not by themselves determine right/wrong.

What topic did the instructor announce for the next class?

God and morality (divine command theory) to be discussed in lecture three.