Philosophy 1102 (Logic) - Ch. 12: Moral Arguments

What are the 3 types of Value Judgements?

- Moral Value Judgements - Personal Value/Taste Value judgements - Factual/Descriptive Statements

Why is a "Moral-Rule Premise" Necessary in Moral Arguments?

-Because of the "is-ought" fallacy. You cannot gather that just because something is a certain way, it ought to be a certain way (ought to do it, or ought not to do it) -If I were to say that eating ice cream(X) is painful(Y), does that mean that you SHOULD NOT do it? NOOO, not at all. -But hypothetically, if I were to say that: Ice Cream is painful Anything that causes pain is Morally Wrong ----------------------------------------------------- Therefore, you SHOULD NOT eat ice cream (^^^This is a valid Moral Argument, because it provides a premise with a moral standard/rule)

What is Consequentialism?

A Category which holds certain Moral Theories. It asserts that the Moral Value of any human action or behavior can be determined solely by its OUTCOMES

What is a Value Judgement?

A particular claim that a HUMAN ACTION OR OBJECT has some degree of importance, worth or desirability

What is a Normative Statement?

A statement that attempts to establish standards for correct moral behavior (Moral Norms)

What is a Prescriptive Statement?

A statement that offers (moral) advice

Who was the "is-ought" (Naturalistic) Fallacy originally presented by?

David Hume

What is a Personal Value/Taste Value Claim?

Describes a person's taste regarding something, what they prefer/like/enjoy or don't

What 2 Moral Theories fall under the Category of Consequentialism?

Egoism and Utilitarianism

What is a Factual/Descriptive Statement?

Gives facts about world/ describes the world

What is an Enthamime? Give an Example

Implied Conclusions or Implied Premises. (Ex. By saying "You should drive", you imply that "You should not fly")

What is the Emotivism Theory?

It asserts that our moral value Judgements are really just expressions of our attitudes or emotions, and can never be objective facts

What do you usually have to add to an Argument to justify use of the word "Should"?

More info and/or more premises

Do Personal Value/Taste Value Claims assert any facts?

NOOOOOO

What is a Moral Value Judgement?

Places emphasis on human actions or behaviors by asserting that they are either good, bad, right, or wrong

What is the Naturalistic Moral Principle?

Since humans naturally seek to find pleasure/happiness and to avoid pain. We can conclude that humans ought to behave in order to achieve this. (THIS IS FALLACIOUS)

What do Moral Argument Conclusions generally assert? Give an Example

Some sort of moral position usually. (Ex: It is wrong to do X)

What is the Relativism Theory?

The Relativism Theory makes 2 Claims: 1) THERE ARE NO OBJECTIVE MORAL RULES 2) ALL MORAL VALUE JUDGEMENTS ARE DETERMINED BY AN INDIVIDUAL'S BELIEFS, OR BY THE BELIEFS OF THE SOCIETY WHICH HE/SHE IS A PART OF (Or By his/her upbringing) (Relativism also acknowledges the difficulty of judging between 2 competing Moral Theories)

What is the Situation Ethics Theory?

This theory acknowledges that there can be objective moral rules, but THEY CANNOT BE APPLIED RIGIDLY TO EVERY SINGLE SITUATION. Some situations require modification/reconsideration of the moral rules

What is the Utilitarianism Theory?

This theory asserts that we should act in a way to achieve the GREATEST GOOD FOR THE GREATEST NUMBER OF PEOPLE

What is the Egoism Theory?

This theory asserts that we should act in ways to maximize our own happiness and pleasure.

What is the Deontology (Deontological) Theory?

This theory asserts that you should act in morally, or in a certain way because it is your DUTY TO OTHERS. And your DUTY TO OTHERS always comes first (This theory also states indirectly --> Is my moral conduct good enough to the point where everyone should follow it)

Give an example of a typical Moral Argument (Using Variables)

X is Y Y is Morally Wrong ------------------------ Therefore, X is Morally Wrong

Are Analogies ever used as Moral Arguments?

YESSSS, FREQUENTLY

Is it true that any Empirical evidence, used in a manner to back a Moral Premise, falls prey to the Naturalistic Fallacy

Yes, this is TRUE