ipl-logo

David Lewis Ideal Observer Theory

2181 Words9 Pages

Semyon Reshenin

The Euthyphro problem for ideal observer theories of ethics

The Euthypro dilemma presents a challenge for ideal observer theories of ethics: they have to either accept independence of moral facts, or, provided that they rely only on non-moral knowledge, deal with inability to guarantee that constructed values are genuine. David Lewis in his dispositional theory of value proposes the way to deal with Euthypro problem by acknowledging arbitrariness even of ideal observer’s responses.
In the first section I will clarify some terms and concepts used in this paper. The second section will contain brief presentation of Lewis’s dispositional theory of value. Finally, in the third section I will address relations between contingency of our psychology and presumptive necessity of values which, eventually, will lead us to dealing with Euthyphro problem.

Clarification of terms
Some terms need to be clarified before we proceed. First, we should define the exact place of ideal observer theory in relation to its neighbouring theories. I will rely on the classification proposed by Russ Shafer-Landau (Shafer-Landau, 39-40). Ideal observer theory belongs to cognitivism; in other words it assumes that there are moral facts, our ethical judgments are propositions about these facts, and as such they can be …show more content…

According to this theory «something of the appropriate category is a value if and only if we would be disposed, under ideal conditions, to value it» (Lewis, 113). To value – for Lewis – means «to desire to desire». He stresses that only intrinsic (non-instrumental) desiring to desire can be valuing. By using such second-order desires we can easily describe situation when someone desires something which he assesses as morally wrong. In that case, he also intrinsically desires to not desire this

Show More
Related

Analysis Of Mackie's Argument From Queerness

1508 Words | 7 Pages

Mackie believes that there are no objective moral values, and to support his stand, he famously puts forth two arguments. The first argument is the Argument from Relativity or Disagreement, and the second is the Argument from Queerness. The focus of this essay will be on Mackie’s argument from queerness, and I seek to prove that his argument does not succeed in showing that there are no objective values. I will first be summarizing Mackie’s argument from queerness. Subsequently, I will proceed to form an argument on the first part of Mackie’s argument from queerness, the metaphysical component.

Read More

Fundamentals Of Ethics By Russ Shafer-Landeau: Chapter Analysis

1376 Words | 6 Pages

The final chapter, chapter 21, of Russ Shafer-Landau’s book, The Fundamentals of Ethics, emphasis is placed on the fact that moral objectivity is not always completely universal but does not mean the idea of moral objectivism has to be rejected. Moral objectivism states that moral standards should be universal but there are some circumstances and exceptions to this claim. Shafer-Landau presents eleven arguments in chapter 21 that some consider challenges to the universality principle of moral objectivity. Not only will moral objectivism be examined in this paper but also another philosophical view known as moral skepticism will be discussed. In addition to the arguments present by Shafter-Landau’s book this paper will include an analysis from

Read More

Shafer-Landau's Argument Analysis

573 Words | 3 Pages

Developing from the reasoning of (Russ Shafer-Landau, p.p 13), it is clear that there is a difference between normative ethics and metaethics. Normative ethics are those values that develop from within a personality and are always employed whenever ethics are breached. On the other hand the metaethics is basically the diverse elements that are considered crucial for building positive ethical believes. (Shafer-Landau, p.p 29), also brings forward other moral ethical elements such as the moral error theory, the desire-satisfaction theory, ethical particularism and the doctrine of double effects. All the above elements are crucial for shaping ones ethical perspectives and inclinations leave alone resolving ethical issues within a society.

Read More

How Does Euthyphro Challenge The Nature Of Morality

549 Words | 3 Pages

The Euthyphro challenges traditional conceptions of morality and explores the nature of morality. Furthermore, it emphasises critical thinking and makes ongoing contributions to modern-day ethical debates. As a result, it serves as a guide for how to critically analyse new information. This essay will examine the significance of the Euthyphro and attempt to analyse its point. Firstly, the text challenges traditional conceptions of morality.

Read More

Philippa Foot Arguments Against Utilitarianism

1325 Words | 6 Pages

Caleb Stephens April 15, 2017 Introduction to Philosophy The goal of this paper is to demonstrate that Philippa Foot’s objection, raised to her own argument against utilitarianism, is correct. Her initial thesis is that benevolence, while the foundation of utilitarianism, is an internal end of morality, rather than the ultimate end of morality. The possible objection to this that there must be some overarching reason behind morality, which must imply a form of consequentialism. The response she offers is that there should be some other form of morality, which is a weak argument, as it does not provide an alternate conception of morality itself.

Read More

Absolutist Vs Relativists

312 Words | 2 Pages

Dispositional analysis of ethical statements may be in fact absolutist and not relativists. Relative statements may not be expressed using words or expressions that are egocentric. Egocentric expressions include personal pronouns such as “I,” “you,” and correspond with “my,” “your,” etc. The word “this” can be apparently defined of all egocentric expressions. An ethical relativist believes that the statement “Such and such a particular act (x) is right” can be expressed as “I like x as much as any alternative to it.”

Read More

Internalist Argument Analysis

1581 Words | 7 Pages

When considering the metaethical status of moral claims, ethical objectivism and moral skepticism dominate the two sides of the debate. The ethical objectivist claims that moral features are an objective part of reality existing independently of humans, or human attitudes. In opposition, moral skeptics deny the overall objectivist claim, explaining morality through several different theories such as nihilism, relativism, and expressivism. A controversial feature of moral judgments is that they may be inherently motivational, and guide the actions of those who hold the moral judgment. Although controversial, the premise has been influential in guiding metaethical discussions.

Read More

Non Relative Approach To Virtue Ethics

1889 Words | 8 Pages

Aristotle’s virtue ethics differs from other moral theories. Unlike deontology and consequentialism, virtue ethics emphasizes and describes moral characters (virtues). In my paper, I am going to explore the objection to virtue ethics from a relativist point of view and the responses to this objection that were presented in Nussbaum’s paper “A non-relative approach to virtue ethics.” Furthermore, I am going to present two out of three relativist objections to her responses that she anticipated, and her responses to them.

Read More

What Makes Right Acts Right Analysis

728 Words | 3 Pages

Ross’s moral theory can be thought of as a compromise between utilitarianism and Kantianiasm. Even though Ross applauds the idea of benevolence in utilitarianism and the importance of justice, he disapproved of maximizing happiness as the main duty and stating that the moral rules were absolute. The basis of Ross’s moral theory lies in the concept of prima facie; the “duty” performed based on the relationship between certain individuals. Ross means that in any situation the individual needs to decide which relationship is most important to them at that time when making decisions. His main argument consists of: 1.

Read More

The Pros And Cons Of Kant's Categorical Imperative

1222 Words | 5 Pages

Ethics and the search for a good moral foundation first drew me into the world of philosophy. It is agreed that the two most important Ethical views are from the world’s two most renowned ethical philosophers Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill. In this paper, I will explore be analyzing Mill’s Greatest Happiness Principle and Kant’s Categorical Imperative. In particular, I want to discuss which principle provides a better guideline for making moral decisions. And which for practical purposes ought to be taught to individuals.

Read More

Deontology Vs Utilitarianism Essay

431 Words | 2 Pages

Introduction In this essay, I will be comparing Deontology to Utilitarianism. I will attempt to substantiate why I am justified in arguing that Deontology is a superior moral theory than Utilitarianism. A Discussion of the Main Elements of Utilitarianism Utilitarianism is a moral theory developed by English philosopher Jeremy Bentham (1947 – 1832) and refined by fellow countryman John Stuart Mill (1806 – 1873).

Read More

Minimum Conception In James Rachel's 'What Is Morality'

360 Words | 2 Pages

In James Rachels’s “What is Morality”, Rachels dissects the idea of a minimum conception and examines various moral dilemmas. His idea of minimum conception is not to narrow down morality, but to narrow down the aspects or “cores” of morality. Rachels believes that this can be used develop a universal morality that can apply to every situation. In second part of the article, Rachels presents three examples of real life moral dilemmas and two opposing views for each situation. This examples touch on the issue of euthanasia, but have different purposes and consequences.

Read More

Immanuel Kant's Theory Of Utilitarianism

1228 Words | 5 Pages

Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill are two of the most notable philosophers in normative ethics. This branch of ethics is based on moral standards that determine what is considered morally right and wrong. This paper will focus on Immanuel Kant’s theory of deontology and J.S. Mill’s theory of utilitarianism. While Mill takes a consequentialist approach, focused on the belief that actions are right if they are for the benefit of a majority, Kant is solely concerned with the nature of duty and obligation, regardless of the outcome. This paper will also reveal that Kantian ethics, in my opinion, is a better moral law to follow compared to the utilitarian position.

Read More

Basic Principle Deontological Analysis

929 Words | 4 Pages

One of the most regarded ethical theories in contemporary period is deontological ethics. From historical point of view, contemporary or recent refers to the early or middle part of the twentieth century, and even the late nineteenth century. There are some features of these contemporary ethical theories that appear to express relatively modern points of view. One of which is the emphasis on plurality or multiplicity and relativity; another feature is the denial of absolutes and universality. Theories in this era focus on the importance of lower-level rules, judgements or decisions that are said to test, enhance or even replace principles.

Read More

Essay On My Vision For America

583 Words | 3 Pages

To have a value you must have a standard. Who makes or creates the standard for our values? God originates any standard for any value we will ever have. He is the perfect standard and is the only reason we are alive and living on this earth today. The main point we need to extract from this is that without

Read More

More about David Lewis Ideal Observer Theory

Related Topics

Open Document