Moore's Contributions to Metaethics

The video explores the evolution of ethical theories, focusing on George Edward Moore's contributions to metaethics. It discusses traditional ethical theories like Virtue Ethics, Deontology, and Consequentialism, and introduces metaethics as a field that examines the basis of moral phenomena without making value judgments. Moore's intuitionist consequentialism is highlighted, emphasizing moral goodness as an intrinsic value assessed through intuition. The video also covers the naturalistic fallacy and open-question argument, and contrasts ethical realism with non-cognitivism. Finally, it situates metaethics within the broader historical context of philosophy.

Which of the following is NOT one of the three main ethical traditions discussed before the 20th century?

• Consequentialism

• Metaethics

• Virtue Ethics

• Deontology

What is the primary method Moore suggests for assessing moral goodness?

• Scientific analysis

• Intuition

• Religious doctrine

• Logical deduction

According to Moore, moral goodness is:

• A tangible object

• Defined by societal norms

• A mystical concept

• Identifiable through intuition

What is the naturalistic fallacy as described by Moore?

• Confusing moral goodness with natural properties

• Believing in supernatural explanations for ethics

• Relying solely on religious texts for moral guidance

• Using emotions to define moral actions

The open-question argument suggests that:

• The definition of 'good' is always open to question

• Moral questions can always be answered definitively

• Moral goodness is a fixed concept

• Ethical theories are closed to interpretation

How does Moore's analysis contribute to the field of metaethics?

• By rejecting all previous ethical theories

• By promoting religious ethics

• By focusing on language and meaning

• By establishing new moral norms

What distinguishes metaethics from normative ethics?

• Normative ethics is purely theoretical

• Metaethics prescribes moral norms

• Metaethics focuses on understanding moral concepts

• Normative ethics ignores moral motivation

Which philosopher is known for the categorical imperative, a cognitivist position?

• George Edward Moore

• David Hume

• Immanuel Kant

• Bertrand Russell

What is a key characteristic of metaethics according to Moore?

• It creates new ethical laws

• It describes moral phenomena without value judgment

• It focuses on religious ethics

• It is based on emotional expression

Which ancient philosopher's work is mentioned as a precursor to metaethical thought?

• Epicurus

• Socrates

• Aristotle

• Plato