Moral Naturalism

Definition

Moral naturalism is the philosophical view that moral facts and values are rooted in natural properties and can be understood through empirical observation and scientific inquiry. This perspective posits that ethical statements can be true or false based on the same types of evidence that apply to natural sciences, linking moral truths to human nature, social conditions, and biological factors. As a result, moral naturalism aligns closely with cognitivism, which asserts that moral statements express beliefs that can be true or false, and it also supports the idea of universal moral truths grounded in objective reality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Moral naturalism emphasizes that moral properties can be scientifically investigated, suggesting that ethics is not separate from the natural world but is part of it.
2. One key argument for moral naturalism is the idea that our understanding of human well-being can inform ethical discussions, as it relies on factual knowledge about human needs and conditions.
3. Moral naturalists argue against non-cognitivist views by maintaining that ethical statements convey factual information about moral truths rather than mere expressions of feelings or commands.
4. This viewpoint suggests a continuity between descriptive claims about the world and normative claims about how we ought to act, allowing for a more integrated approach to understanding morality.
5. Moral naturalism faces challenges in justifying how we move from descriptive facts to normative claims, often referred to as the 'is-ought problem.'

Review Questions

• How does moral naturalism differentiate itself from non-cognitivist theories in ethics?
  • Moral naturalism differs from non-cognitivist theories by asserting that moral statements express beliefs that can be true or false, grounded in observable, natural facts. While non-cognitivism holds that moral statements are merely expressions of emotions or prescriptions, moral naturalism contends that these statements correspond to real properties in the world. This distinction is important because it frames moral discourse as a potential area for factual investigation rather than just subjective expression.
• In what ways does moral naturalism support the idea of universal objective moral truths?
  • Moral naturalism supports the idea of universal objective moral truths by grounding morality in natural properties and human experiences that are consistent across cultures. It suggests that there are empirical bases for understanding well-being and ethical behavior, which can lead to shared moral conclusions regardless of individual opinions. By connecting ethics to human nature and social contexts, moral naturalism provides a framework where objective moral truths can emerge based on common human needs.
• Evaluate the implications of moral naturalism on contemporary ethical debates regarding human rights and social justice.
  • Moral naturalism has significant implications for contemporary ethical debates about human rights and social justice by emphasizing that these concepts are not merely subjective beliefs but can be grounded in universal human experiences and needs. By asserting that moral truths are tied to our nature and conditions as humans, moral naturalists argue for a more consistent and scientifically informed basis for advocating for rights and justice. This perspective can strengthen arguments for equality and protection of rights by anchoring them in shared human well-being rather than cultural relativism.

Related terms

Cognitivism:

The view in ethics that moral statements are capable of being true or false because they express beliefs or propositions.

Non-Cognitivism:

The theory that moral statements do not express propositions that can be true or false, instead reflecting emotions or prescriptions.

Moral Realism:

The belief that there are objective moral facts that exist independently of human beliefs or attitudes.