Intuitionism: Trusting Our Inner Moral Sense

Philosophy is a vast and complex subject, with many different branches and ideas. One of the most interesting and thought-provoking branches is intuitionism. Intuitionism is a type of philosophy that focuses on the idea that our moral principles and values are not derived from reason or external sources, but rather from our inner moral sense or intuition.

The concept of intuitionism can be traced back to ancient Greek philosophers, such as Socrates, who emphasized the importance of self-knowledge and intuition in making moral decisions. However, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that intuitionism as a distinct philosophical theory emerged, thanks to the works of philosophers like G.E. Moore and H.A. Prichard.

At its core, intuitionism holds that moral truths are objective and independent of human reasoning. In other words, they exist in the world and can be perceived through our intuitive moral sense. This goes against the traditional view of moral philosophy, which holds that moral truths are derived from reason, religion, or empirical observations.

One of the main criticisms of intuitionism is that it is difficult to define or explain what exactly our moral intuition is and how it works. Some argue that it is simply a reflection of our emotions, personal biases, or cultural norms. Others believe that our intuition is a form of innate knowledge that is present in all of us.

To better understand intuitionism, it is important to distinguish between two types of intuitions: moral intuitions and non-moral intuitions. Moral intuitions refer to our immediate sense of right and wrong, whereas non-moral intuitions refer to our intuitive beliefs about non-moral matters, such as basic mathematical principles. Intuitionists argue that moral intuitions are more trustworthy and reliable than non-moral intuitions, as they are directly related to our sense of morality.

One of the key differences between intuitionism and other moral theories, such as utilitarianism or deontological ethics, is that intuitionism does not rely on moral rules or principles to guide our actions. Instead, intuitionists believe that our moral intuitions should be trusted and followed, even if they go against commonly accepted moral codes.

For example, an intuitionist may argue that it is morally wrong to harm an innocent individual, even if it means saving a greater number of people. This goes against the utilitarian principle of the “greater good,” which states that the moral action is the one that produces the most overall happiness or well-being.

One of the major strengths of intuitionism is its ability to account for moral disagreement. Since moral intuitions vary from person to person, it is natural that people may have different opinions about what is morally right or wrong. Intuitionists argue that this diversity of moral intuition does not disprove the existence of moral truths, but rather shows the complexity and subjectivity of moral issues.

In conclusion, intuitionism is a fascinating and controversial philosophical theory that challenges traditional views on morality. By putting emphasis on our inner moral sense, intuitionists reject the idea that moral truths can be discovered through reason or external sources. While it may have its limitations and criticisms, intuitionism still remains a prominent theory in modern moral philosophy, offering a unique perspective on how we navigate and make decisions in the complex world of ethics.