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Terms in this set (32)
meta-ethical rlativism
truth and justifiable; philosophical view of moral disagreements
normative relativism
relativist theory concerning how we ought to act; practical view of moral disagreements
moral universalism
theory that there is one moral truth; makes it easier to pass judgments since both sides can't be right
meta ethical relativism
-Wong
-justification of views requires a reference to culture/history/society
-customs determine what is right or wrong
-justification of views requires a reference to culture/history/society
-customs determine what is right or wrong
problems with meta ethical relativism
customs can change
different societies have different customs
different societies have different customs
moral universalism
belief that moral disagreement does not show that relativists are right if we can explain why people disagree
why doesn't Wong think universalist explanations are satisfactory?
People have different self-interests, religions, circumstances, societies, etc.
Wong's meta ethical relativism
-focuses on certain differences in moral beliefs that are best explained by relativism
-emphasis on individual rights/liberties vs emphasis on common good---> Wong thinks both are valid
-examines purpose of morality
--satisfaction of universal needs determine conditions for an adequate morality
-emphasis on individual rights/liberties vs emphasis on common good---> Wong thinks both are valid
-examines purpose of morality
--satisfaction of universal needs determine conditions for an adequate morality
problems of normative moral relativism
historical/sociological background leads to much subjectivity
Wong
"There are reasons for tolerance and non-intervention. Theses must be weighted against other reasons. Find what is for us the best thing to do. There may not be one single best thing to do."
adequate definition of good- Stevenson
-allows for moral disagreements
-magnetism
-not verifiable by scientific methods
-magnetism
-not verifiable by scientific methods
traditional interest theory (Stevenson)
-tells about psychological attitude
--the object of your desire is good ("I like it")
--it is approved by most people
--most people would approve of it if they knew it well
--the object of your desire is good ("I like it")
--it is approved by most people
--most people would approve of it if they knew it well
interest theory shortcomings (Stevenson)
-used to influence attitudes and create interest
-assume meta ethical claims are descriptive
-assume meta ethical claims are descriptive
dynamic language vs descriptive language
-interest theories are less descriptive and more prescriptive
-affective responses and tone help words serve dynamic function
-affective responses and tone help words serve dynamic function
Stevenson and moral disagreements
-moral disagreements stem from disagreements of interests and beliefs
-moral disagreements can't always be observed by empirical research (conflict of interest), even with recognition of facts
-moral disagreements can't always be observed by empirical research (conflict of interest), even with recognition of facts