Good is defined as something that is naturally occurring in the world, and is equated with pleasure. In this case, good refers to the feeling of pleasure, whereas bad refers to the feeling of pain
Bentham's Utilitarianism is an example of ethical naturalism as it is based on the idea that the only thing that matters is the greatest good for the greatest number
Weaknesses of Ethical Naturalism
Happiness depends on people, so is impossible to define. Happiness is subjective
Weaknesses of Ethical Naturalism
Some people derive pleasure from inflicting pain, which can hardly be called good for the majority.Happiness is subjective
Weaknesses of Ethical Naturalism
It requires people to second guess the future, but we can never be sure of the consequences of our actions, and the consequence might inflict more pain than pleasure
Weaknesses of Ethical Naturalism
It allows for evil so good may come
Weaknesses of Ethical Naturalism
Too impartial - the burning house dilemma - if your mum and a person who has the cure for cancer are trapped in a burning building, who do you save first? Ethical naturalism would save the cancer specialist
Strengths of ethical naturalism
Ethical propositions are true because they are factual. Gives a factual basis for morality
Strengths of Ethical Naturalism
Right and wrong are objective, they exist in the world outside ourselves
Strengths of Ethical Naturalism
Ethical propositions can give us solid guidelines and rules to follow.
Strengths of Ethical Naturalism
We can be judged by our compliance with the rules. It gives us a way of morally judging people
Strengths of Ethical Naturalism
Most people tend to follow a naturalist theory whether they know it or not, therefore, fits in with human nature and society
Strengths of Ethical Naturalism
Overcomes the problem of deontology, we are able to consider the consequences of our actions
Strengths of Ethical Naturalism
Utilitarianism is secular, so it could therefore apply to a non-religious audience as an ethical system
Ethical naturalism is both cognitive and realist theory, as it uses the world to define the concept of good.