Transcript lesson 5. Ethical Naturalism

Naturalism Theories
26 March 2016
STARTER TASK: create a diagram
showing the different types of ethical
approaches, and how they can be
categorised together.
Lesson Outcomes:
GRADE D: I will know what ethical naturalism is and the
arguments for and against it.
GRADE C: I will be able to analyse the weaknesses and
strengths of ethical naturalism.
GRADE B:I will be able to evaluate the arguments
supporting and opposing ethical naturalism and justify
my own argument.
REVIEW: Come up and show the class your diagram
Ethics
Meta-ethics
Descriptive
Normative
Teleological
Virtue Theory
Situation Ethics
Utilitarianism
Deontological
Divine Command
& Natural moral
law
Kant
Intro to Naturalism
Read your explanation of Ethical
Naturalism and then write a short
paragraph summarising ethical
naturalism. Which ethical theory can
you identify which links closely with
naturalism?
BRADLEY: Is the most famous Ethical Naturalist. What
does he believe?
Background
The philosopher David Hume was an empiricist: he
argued that things can only be ‘real’ or ‘meaningful’ if
they can be verified or proved by our five senses.
e.g.: I know oranges exist because I have seen,
smelt, touched and tasted them
Ethical Naturalism
A branch of ethics called Ethical Naturalism developed
from empiricism and the ideas of David Hume.
These ethicists argued that
we observe the world
around us and create moral
theories to fit our
observations.
What are the principles behind ethical naturalism?
See Bradley
Statements don’t have to be verified?
Ethical statements same as non ethical statements?
Don’t need to know our duties?
Morality defined by fact?
Absolute?
In favour of hedonism?
Pursue self realisation?
Use non ethical evidence?
Don’t use Maths & Science?
Define ethics in same way as define Science?
Arguments for &
against
For
Against
a)
Absolute
b)
Promotes duties
a)
Are science & Maths the
same as ethics?
b)
Can you link morals to
science?
c)
Against hedonism
d)
Determines your status
c)
Absolute
e)
Ethics defined by evidence
d)
Can you define ethics use
non ethical language?
Evaluation of
Naturalism
Is-Ought Gap
Many opponents of the naturalist position argue that
we cannot make the leap between a FACT (is) and a
MORAL JUDGEMENT (ought). Naturalists commit the
Naturalistic Fallacy
Is this really ethics?
Is this form of naturalism what we would call
‘ethics’ or is it sociology, or psychology?
Naturalism Theories
26 March 2016
REVIEW TASK: Complete the review
sheet
Lesson Outcomes:
GRADE D: I will know what ethical naturalism is and the
arguments for and against it.
GRADE C: I will be able to analyse the weaknesses and
strengths of ethical naturalism.
GRADE B:I will be able to evaluate the arguments
supporting and opposing ethical naturalism and justify
my own argument.