G.E. Moore

Definition

G.E. Moore was a British philosopher known for his contributions to ethics, epistemology, and the philosophy of language, particularly through his common sense approach which challenges skepticism. He is famous for his argument that certain things we know, like the existence of the external world, are intuitively obvious and should be accepted as true without needing elaborate justification.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Moore is best known for his 'Here is one hand' argument, which illustrates that we have knowledge of certain propositions based on direct experience rather than complex arguments.
2. His common sense philosophy posits that common beliefs about the world, such as the existence of objects outside our perception, should be trusted as knowledge.
3. Moore's stance against skepticism emphasizes that just because some beliefs can be doubted does not mean all beliefs are suspect; some can be securely known.
4. He argued for a form of direct realism in perception, suggesting that we perceive objects directly rather than through a veil of mental representations.
5. Moore's ideas have influenced contemporary discussions in epistemology, especially regarding the nature of knowledge and the importance of ordinary experiences.

Review Questions

• How does G.E. Moore's common sense approach challenge skepticism about the external world?
  • G.E. Moore's common sense approach directly challenges skepticism by asserting that certain propositions about the external world are intuitively obvious and should be accepted as true. His famous example, 'Here is one hand,' demonstrates that we can have knowledge of our own hands without needing elaborate arguments. This counters skeptical views by reinforcing that we can trust our perceptions and everyday beliefs as valid knowledge.
• What role does contextualism play in understanding Moore's views on knowledge and perception?
  • Contextualism plays a significant role in Moore's views by suggesting that the context in which knowledge claims are made influences their truth-value. In Moore's philosophy, this means that what we consider as common sense knowledge might vary depending on circumstances or conversational contexts. This idea supports his challenge to skepticism by showing that knowledge is not an absolute concept but can be understood in relation to its situational context.
• Evaluate how G.E. Moore’s perspectives on direct realism influence current debates in epistemology regarding perception and knowledge.
  • G.E. Moore’s perspective on direct realism significantly influences current debates in epistemology by advocating that we perceive objects in the world directly rather than through representations or interpretations. This stance offers a counterargument to indirect realism, which suggests our perceptions are mediated by mental constructs. Moore's emphasis on direct experience asserts that our sensory perceptions provide a foundation for knowledge that remains reliable against skeptical challenges, thereby shaping ongoing discussions about how we justify what we know.

Related terms

Common Sense Philosophy: A philosophical approach that emphasizes the importance of everyday beliefs and experiences as a foundation for knowledge.

Skepticism: The philosophical position that questions the possibility of certainty in knowledge or truth, often challenging our ability to know anything with confidence.

Contextualism: The view that the truth-value of knowledge claims can depend on the context in which they are expressed, affecting how we understand knowledge and belief.