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

Philosophy-Contemporary Ethical Theory4 - Es give tongue to suitThe ethical realist believes that ethical statements are descriptions of the states of the world, hence are like other fact-stating assertions, true or incorrect independently of the beliefs of the speaker (O Neill 163).According to G.E. Moores (1873-1958) intuitionism, good is a simple, unanalysable property similar to a primary(a) colour. Adapting a version of Utilitarianism, Moore believed that right acts are those that produce the most good but he state that goodness cannot 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 act to define the colour yellow. It is not possible to define the color yellow, but only by screening someone an example can the colo r yellow or similarly the concept 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 give tongue to that certain types of actions called prima facie duties were right. Ross seven classes of prima facie duties were duties of fidelity, reparation when we have done something wrong, gratitude, justice, beneficence or support others, self-improvement, and duties of non-maleficence or not harming others. When these prima facie duties, which mean duties at first sight, oppose each other, it is essential to get along 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 obey in cases of conflict, depended on a persons moral maturity, acknowledgment of self-evident truths and intuition (Oliphant & Mayled 12).Some criticisms of intuitionism are that if value