Intuitionism
Religious Studies: OCR A Level, topic 2.7.2
Intuitionism
Intuitionism claims basic moral truths are self-evident and do not need definition.
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Understanding intuitionism
- Intuitionism relies on human intuition to recognise what is morally right or wrong.
- Philosopher G.E. Moore launched intuitionism with his 1903 work "Principia Ethica."
- Moore argued "good" is a simple, indefinable quality, similar to the colour "yellow."
Intuitionism and the term 'good'
- Intuitionism states 'good' is a simple, non-natural property that cannot be defined by other terms.
- Instead of defining 'good,' intuitionism suggests people recognise it through moral intuition.
- This recognition is immediate and does not require logical reasoning.
- Intuitionism emphasises that 'good' is self-evident, thus needing no further analysis.
Application of intuitionism
- Intuitionism guides decision-making by having individuals trust their moral intuitions.
- Intuitionism suggests that when faced with a moral decision, people should consider what feels inherently right.
- Moral intuitions act as a compass, directing people towards good actions.
- Intuitionism often appeals to the conscience as a reliable source of moral truth.
Criticisms of intuitionism
- Critics argue intuitionism lacks objectivity and bases morality on subjective feelings.
- Philosopher C.L. Stevenson, in the 20th century, argued that differing intuitions lead to moral disagreements.
- Critics raise issues about how to resolve conflicts when intuitions clash.
- Some propose that morality requires more than intuition, like empirical evidence or logical reasoning.
Example of intuitionism in practice
- Suppose a person witnesses bullying.
- Intuitionism suggests they intuitively know stopping the bullying is good.
- The person's immediate feeling that aiding the victim is right reflects intuitionism's belief in self-evident moral truths.
- This action does not stem from a defined rule but from an internal moral compass.
- The example shows intuitionism's reliance on intuitive recognition of "good" in everyday situations.
Test yourself on Intuitionism
What colour did G.E. Moore equate the principle of 'good' to?
Which philosopher argued in the 20th century that differing intentions lead to moral disagreements?
What property does intuitionism state is a non-natural property that cannot be defined by other terms?