Masqueraders

Question 1

What distinguishes theories about morality (the masqueraders) from genuine ethical theories?

Answer 1

the masqueraders are theories that describe morality instead of saying something about the nature of right and wrong (having a view about what is right or wrong)

Question 2

What are two theories ABOUT morality?

Answer 2

1) egoism

2) relativism

Question 3

What is egoism?

Answer 3

theory that the only motive behind human behaviour is self-interest (what is good is what is good for the individual)

Question 4

What is an objection to egoism?

Answer 4

• it is hard to use this theory to describe selfless acts, altruism

Question 5

What is relativism?

Answer 5

theory that moral judgments, principles and ideals are relative to a person, group or culture (what is good is what is accepted/defined as good within a particular culture)

Question 6

What is an objection to relativism?

Answer 6

• if this theory is true, it eliminates the possibility of criticism/critique
• some say that moral oughts are not conditional
• there seem to be many things across cultures that we agree on