Philosophy-Contemporary Ethical Theory4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Philosophy-Contemporary Ethical Theory4 - Essay ExampleThe ethical realist believes that ethical statements be descriptions of the states of the world, hence are like other fact-stating assertions, true or false independently of the beliefs of the speaker (O Neill 163).According to G.E. Moores (1873-1958) intuitionism, good is a simple, unanalysable property corresponding to a primary colour. Adapting a version of Utilitarianism, Moore believed that right acts are those that produce the most good but he stated that goodness can non be defined or identified with a natural property such as pleasure. Moore, an ethical intuitionist believed that good could be understood directly, through moral intuition, so that it is possible to say whether a moral statement is true or false. The simple notion of describing goodness when it is seen, is like trying to define the colour yellow. It is not possible to define the color yellow, but only by showing someone an example can the color yellow or similarly the idea of goodness be explained (Oliphant & Mayled 10).W.D. Ross (1877-1971) intuitionism also believed, like Moore that right and obligatory are as indefinable as good, and stated that certain types of actions called prima facie duties were right. Ross septenary classes of prima facie duties were duties of fidelity, reparation when we have done something wrong, gratitude, justice, beneficence or helping others, self-improvement, and duties of non-maleficence or not harming others. When these prima facie duties, which mean duties at first sight, oppose all(prenominal) other, it is essential to follow the one which is right for the situation. Hence, one prima facie duty may have to give way to another. However, deciding on which one to ensue in cases of conflict, depended on a persons moral maturity, realization of self-evident truths and intuition (Oliphant & Mayled 12).Some criticisms of intuitionism are that if value