Intuitionism

Definition

Intuitionism is a moral theory suggesting that humans have an innate ability to discern right from wrong through direct intuition rather than through reasoning or empirical evidence. This theory emphasizes the role of moral intuitions as fundamental to ethical judgments, arguing that certain moral truths are self-evident and accessible to human understanding without the need for further justification.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Intuitionism suggests that moral knowledge is gained through intuitive insight, allowing individuals to grasp ethical truths without needing to analyze them rationally.
2. Prominent intuitionists, such as G.E. Moore, argued against naturalistic approaches by claiming that moral properties are non-natural and cannot be reduced to natural facts.
3. One key aspect of intuitionism is the idea that some moral truths, like the wrongness of murder or the value of honesty, are universally recognized across different cultures.
4. Intuitionism differs from consequentialist theories, which assess morality based on the outcomes of actions, focusing instead on intrinsic moral values.
5. Critics of intuitionism question the reliability of intuitions and argue that they can vary greatly among individuals and cultures, raising concerns about subjectivity in moral reasoning.

Review Questions

• How does intuitionism differentiate itself from cognitivism and non-cognitivism in terms of understanding moral truths?
  • Intuitionism sets itself apart from cognitivism by rejecting the idea that moral truths can be fully captured by objective facts alone. Unlike cognitivists who believe ethical statements can be objectively true or false, intuitionists assert that moral knowledge comes from intuitive insights. On the other hand, non-cognitivism posits that moral statements do not convey truth but rather express emotions or attitudes. Thus, intuitionism emphasizes an inherent ability to perceive moral truths directly, independent of rational analysis or emotional states.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of intuitionism as a moral framework compared to consequentialist approaches.
  • One strength of intuitionism is its appeal to universal moral principles that seem self-evident across cultures, such as prohibitions against murder. This approach provides a clear basis for ethical decision-making without needing to calculate outcomes like consequentialist theories do. However, a notable weakness is the subjective nature of intuitions, which can differ widely among individuals, leading to potential inconsistencies in moral judgments. In contrast, consequentialist approaches focus on the results of actions, which can provide a more systematic way to evaluate morality but may overlook intrinsic values upheld by intuitionists.
• Critically analyze how intuitionism addresses the criticism regarding the variability of moral intuitions across different cultures.
  • Intuitionism acknowledges that while individual and cultural differences in moral intuitions exist, it maintains that some foundational moral truths are universally recognized. Intuitionists argue that these shared intuitions—such as notions of fairness and harm—point towards objective moral standards despite varying interpretations. However, this defense raises questions about how to reconcile conflicting intuitions and whether there truly exists a common ground for all humans. The challenge lies in demonstrating that certain intuitions hold universal significance while accounting for cultural diversity in moral reasoning.

Related terms

Cognitivism:

The belief that ethical statements can be true or false and that moral judgments are based on objective facts.

Non-Cognitivism:

The view that moral statements do not express truths but rather reflect emotional attitudes or prescriptions.

Moral Realism:

The position that there are objective moral facts and that ethical statements can accurately describe these facts.