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Questions and Answers
What is ethical objectivism?
What is ethical objectivism?
Ethical objectivism is the view that moral claims have an objective status and that there is a correct moral code that is true regardless of individual opinions.
According to the passage, how should individuals approach discovering moral truths?
According to the passage, how should individuals approach discovering moral truths?
Individuals should approach discovering moral truths with humility and an open mind, recognizing their intellectual limitations.
Why is ethical objectivism not considered a license for dogmatism?
Why is ethical objectivism not considered a license for dogmatism?
Ethical objectivism is not a license for dogmatism because it acknowledges that individuals and societies do not have the final say on what is right and wrong.
What is the significance of being open to correction in moral discussions, according to ethical objectivism?
What is the significance of being open to correction in moral discussions, according to ethical objectivism?
How does the passage relate the attitudes of astronomers and chemists to ethical discussions?
How does the passage relate the attitudes of astronomers and chemists to ethical discussions?
What does the author imply about the relationship between ethical objectivism and moral wisdom?
What does the author imply about the relationship between ethical objectivism and moral wisdom?
How does the text address the concern of ethical objectivism being misapplied by individuals?
How does the text address the concern of ethical objectivism being misapplied by individuals?
In what way does the passage suggest that ethical objectivism can promote intellectual growth?
In what way does the passage suggest that ethical objectivism can promote intellectual growth?
What implication arises if all moral views are considered equally plausible?
What implication arises if all moral views are considered equally plausible?
Why might individuals value tolerance as a universal good?
Why might individuals value tolerance as a universal good?
What does the second premise argue about moral views supporting repression?
What does the second premise argue about moral views supporting repression?
How does the text suggest cultural variation challenges moral objectivity?
How does the text suggest cultural variation challenges moral objectivity?
What is the main concern critics have about ethical objectivism in relation to tolerance?
What is the main concern critics have about ethical objectivism in relation to tolerance?
How does the notion of ethical objectivism relate to the value of tolerance?
How does the notion of ethical objectivism relate to the value of tolerance?
What conclusion can be drawn regarding deeply intolerant societies and moral values?
What conclusion can be drawn regarding deeply intolerant societies and moral values?
What is the implication of accepting all moral views as equally valid?
What is the implication of accepting all moral views as equally valid?
Explain how the Argument from Tolerance opposes ethical objectivism.
Explain how the Argument from Tolerance opposes ethical objectivism.
How does ethical objectivism potentially support tolerance better than its critics suggest?
How does ethical objectivism potentially support tolerance better than its critics suggest?
What example is given to illustrate legitimate cultural variation in moral practices?
What example is given to illustrate legitimate cultural variation in moral practices?
What are the two key premises of the Argument from Tolerance?
What are the two key premises of the Argument from Tolerance?
What does the premise about objective moral standards say about actions like slaughtering for fun?
What does the premise about objective moral standards say about actions like slaughtering for fun?
Why is the second premise of the Argument from Tolerance considered true?
Why is the second premise of the Argument from Tolerance considered true?
What would be the consequence of a belief in moral equivalence regarding tolerance?
What would be the consequence of a belief in moral equivalence regarding tolerance?
How does the passage view the relationship between ethical objectivism and societal values like tolerance?
How does the passage view the relationship between ethical objectivism and societal values like tolerance?
What does Occam's razor advise when choosing between competing theories?
What does Occam's razor advise when choosing between competing theories?
How does Occam's razor apply to the belief in ghosts?
How does Occam's razor apply to the belief in ghosts?
According to the Argument from Science, when can we justify belief in something's existence?
According to the Argument from Science, when can we justify belief in something's existence?
What is the conclusion of the Argument from Science regarding objective moral values?
What is the conclusion of the Argument from Science regarding objective moral values?
How do critics view objective values in relation to science?
How do critics view objective values in relation to science?
What fields of science are mentioned as not requiring moral features in their explanations?
What fields of science are mentioned as not requiring moral features in their explanations?
What does the Argument from Science imply for ethical objectivists?
What does the Argument from Science imply for ethical objectivists?
What does it mean for a moral standard to be objective?
What does it mean for a moral standard to be objective?
What is ethical objectivism?
What is ethical objectivism?
How do moral claims relate to ethical objectivism?
How do moral claims relate to ethical objectivism?
Describe one primary attraction of ethical objectivism.
Describe one primary attraction of ethical objectivism.
What challenge does ethical objectivism face from opposing theories?
What challenge does ethical objectivism face from opposing theories?
What philosophical tool is attributed to William of Occam that aids in evaluating theories?
What philosophical tool is attributed to William of Occam that aids in evaluating theories?
What are the three main positions regarding the status of ethics?
What are the three main positions regarding the status of ethics?
What is the implication of claiming that moral standards apply 'even if people don’t believe that they do'?
What is the implication of claiming that moral standards apply 'even if people don’t believe that they do'?
What happens if relativism and nihilism are successfully debunked?
What happens if relativism and nihilism are successfully debunked?
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Study Notes
Moral Objectivity and Tolerance
- Critics argue that moral objectivity may undermine tolerance, suggesting that if moral standards are objectively correct, it may lead to the dominance of one moral code over others.
- The Argument from Tolerance posits:
- Tolerance is valuable only if different moral views are equally plausible.
- Ethical objectivism contradicts this by asserting that not all moral views are equally plausible.
- Therefore, ethical objectivism, if true, minimizes the value of tolerance.
- Ethical objectivism maintains that some moral views are objectively better than others.
- Critics fail to recognize that equality of moral views could equate intolerant ideologies with tolerant ones, undermining the basis for valuing tolerance.
Tolerance and Ethical Objectivism
- Advocates for tolerance often believe its value is universal, crucial especially in intolerant contexts.
- Ethical objectivism can uphold the value of tolerance by asserting that intolerance is less plausible than tolerance itself.
- The belief in cultural relativism leads to dangerous equivalences where intolerant societies are seen as just as valid as tolerant ones.
Objective Moral Standards
- If objective moral standards exist, they apply universally; e.g., it is wrong to kill for fun everywhere.
- Ethical objectivism does not dictate moral behavior but asserts that correct moral codes hold objective truth.
- Recognizes the challenge of discovering moral truths and promotes humility in ethical considerations.
Misapplication of Ethical Objectivism
- Poor application by certain individuals does not invalidate ethical objectivism; it rather highlights a misunderstanding of its principles.
- Ethical objectivism implies that discovering moral wisdom is challenging, emphasizing open-mindedness towards moral inquiries.
The Scientific Argument Against Objective Values
- Occam's razor suggests not assuming unnecessary entities; applied, ethical critics argue that objective moral values are unfounded like ghosts.
- The Argument from Science outlines:
- Justification for existence relies on scientific verification.
- Science does not verify objective moral values.
- Thus, belief in objective values lacks justification, although it doesn’t outright refute their existence.
Ethical Objectivism Defined
- Ethical objectivism holds that certain moral standards are universally objective, existing independently of individual belief or desires.
- Moral claims can be true if they accurately represent these standards or their requirements.
- Ethical objectivism stands in contrast to relativism and nihilism, which struggle with various philosophical challenges, positioning itself as a robust ethical framework.
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