Metaethics

Ethics

Studies morality, or right and wrong behavior

Moral Realism

Belief that there are moral facts, in the same way that there are scientific facts

Grounding Problem

Search for a foundation for our moral beliefs

Make them clear, objective and unmoving

Moral Antirealism

Belief that moral propositions don't refere to objective features

Nothing about violence that is wrong

Moral Absolutism

Standards against which moral questions can be judged

Moral Relativism

More than one moral position on a given topic can be corrected

Cultural Relativism

Descriptive

People's moral beliefs differ from cultures

Normative

Moral facts differ from cultures

Moral Subjectivism

Moral statements right or wrong, true or false - refer to people's attitudes

Ethical Theories

Starting assumptions, all of our beliefs rest on assumed beliefs

Natural Law Theory

Assumption that God created the universe

Utilitarianism

All beings share a common desire to seek pleasure