Principia Ethica

Principia Ethica is a foundational work in moral philosophy by G.E. Moore, first published in 1903. In this influential text, Moore challenges traditional ethical theories and introduces the concept of the "naturalistic fallacy," arguing that moral properties cannot be reduced to natural or scientific facts. He asserts that "good" is a simple, indefinable quality, much like the color yellow, which can only be known through direct intuition rather than empirical observation or logical deduction.

Moore's ethical framework, known as ethical non-naturalism or intuitionism, holds that moral truths exist independently of human opinion and cannot be derived from physical or psychological properties. He also develops the "ideal utilitarian" approach, suggesting that right actions are those that maximize intrinsic goods, such as beauty and friendship, rather than mere pleasure or happiness.

Principia Ethica had a profound impact on 20th-century moral philosophy, influencing thinkers such as Bertrand Russell and members of the Bloomsbury Group. Its rigorous analysis of ethical concepts continues to shape debates in metaethics, making it essential reading for students and scholars of moral philosophy.

Product Details:

• ISBN: 1456569902
• EAN: 9781456569907
• Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
  
• Binding: Paperback
• Copyright Date: 2011
• Pub Date: January 23, 2011
• Physical Info: 0.84 cms H x 25.4 cms L x 20.29 cms W (0.32 kgs), 156 pages