G.E Moore

• The naturalistic fallacy

  • the failed attempt to derive an ought from an is
  • the failed attempt to derive values from facts
• How did Moore determine to avoid the naturalistic fallacy?

  • 'good' is a term that cannot be defined or explained in terms of anything more basic
• Examples:

  • a horse
  • colour yellow
• Example: horse

  • like any other natural object, it is analysable in terms of its parts e/g muzzle
  • naturalism says the same about 'good' - it is complex and analysable in terms of natural properties e/g pleasures or desires
  • Moore argues the opposite - 'good' cannot be broken down in terms of its natural properties
  • something we can recognise but cannot be defined
• Example: yellow

  • cannot define or analyse the colour yellow
• We have a working sense of what goodness is, even if it always goes beyond any definition