Intuitionism and Non-Naturalism

Intuitionism is a non-naturalist ethical theory that relies on moral intuitions to determine right and wrong. This approach is significant for students exploring moral non naturalism in their studies.

Key aspects of Intuitionism:

1. Developed by G.E. Moore to avoid the naturalistic fallacy
2. Moral facts are simple and unanalyzable, like the color yellow
3. Knowledge of right and wrong comes from fundamental moral intuitions
4. Moral intuitions are self-evident and don't need justification

Definition: Intuitionism asserts that moral truths are known through intuition rather than reason or empirical observation.

W.D. Ross's contribution:

• Introduced the concept of prima facie duties
• Moral intuition helps resolve conflicts between duties

Strengths of Intuitionism:

• Acknowledges that everyone has moral intuitions
• Solves the problem of conflicting definitions of good
• Maintains a form of moral realism

Weaknesses:

• Doesn't satisfactorily explain the origin of moral intuitions
• May lead to moral relativism if intuitions vary between individuals or cultures

Example: The Trolley Problem is often used to illustrate how people intuitively choose between conflicting moral duties.

Comparison of Ethical Theories:

1. Cognitive/Factual Theories:

   • Ethical Naturalism (e.g., Utilitarianism)
   • Ethical Non-Naturalism (e.g., Intuitionism, Divine Command Theory)

2. Non-Cognitive Theories:

   • Emotivism
   • Prescriptivism

Highlight: Understanding these different meta-ethical approaches is crucial for developing a comprehensive view of morality and ethical reasoning in meta ethics a level religious studies.