Ethical Intuitionism

Ethical Intuitionism Michael Huemer presents a defense of ethical intuitionism - the view that humans can directly know moral truths through intuition rather than reasoning or empirical observation. The book outlines key arguments for moral realism and challenges competing theories in metaethics. The text examines common objections to intuitionism and develops responses through careful philosophical analysis. Huemer addresses questions about the reliability of moral intuitions and their role in ethical knowledge. The work engages with major figures in moral philosophy while developing a systematic framework for understanding ethical truth and knowledge. The arguments draw from epistemology, metaphysics, and moral psychology to build a comprehensive case. This ambitious philosophical work tackles fundamental questions about the nature of morality and how we can access moral truth. Its systematic defense of intuitionism represents an important contribution to contemporary metaethical debates.

Readers describe this as a clear, systematic defense of moral realism and ethical intuitionism. Philosophy students and academics make up most reviewers. Readers appreciate: - Clear explanations of complex philosophical concepts - Thorough responses to common objections - Strong arguments against moral skepticism - Logical progression of ideas - Accessible writing style for an academic text Common criticisms: - Some arguments move too quickly through important points - Dismisses competing moral theories without full engagement - Abstract examples that could benefit from real-world applications Ratings: Goodreads: 4.16/5 (56 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (22 ratings) One graduate student reviewer noted: "Huemer presents the strongest case for moral realism I've encountered." A philosophy professor commented: "The section on moral knowledge could be more developed, but the core arguments are sound." PhilPapers shows frequent citations in academic work, particularly in metaethics discussions.

The Right and the Good by W. D. Ross This foundational work in ethical intuitionism develops a pluralistic theory of moral duties based on self-evident prima facie obligations.

Value and Objectivity by Russ Shafer-Landau The text presents a defense of moral realism through examination of moral properties and their relation to natural facts.

The Emotions: A Philosophical Exploration by Peter Goldie This investigation of emotional perception and its role in moral knowledge complements intuitionist approaches to ethical understanding.

The Good in the Right by Robert Audi The book constructs a theory of moral epistemology that combines ethical intuitionism with Kantian principles.

Moral Realism by David Brink This systematic defense of moral realism explores the metaphysical and epistemological foundations of objective moral truth.

🔸 The book was published in 2005, marking a significant revival of ethical intuitionism after it had fallen out of favor in academic philosophy during much of the 20th century. 🔸 Author Michael Huemer is a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder and has written extensively on topics ranging from ethical theory to political philosophy, including the influential work "The Problem of Political Authority." 🔸 Ethical intuitionism dates back to philosophers like G.E. Moore and W.D. Ross in the early 1900s, who argued that moral properties are "non-natural" and cannot be reduced to purely descriptive facts. 🔸 The book's arguments build on research in cognitive science showing how intuitive moral judgments often precede rational deliberation, supporting the idea that moral intuitions are fundamental to ethical thinking. 🔸 Despite being an academic philosophical text, "Ethical Intuitionism" has gained attention outside academia and influenced discussions in fields like artificial intelligence ethics and moral psychology.