naturalistic fallacy
The term "naturalistic fallacy" was introduced by philosopher G.E. Moore in his 1903 book 'Principia Ethica' and is crucial in ethical theory and logical analysis.
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Definition
C2Ethics
(academic, technical)The error of defining moral terms like 'good' based on natural properties such as pleasure or desire.
Example
- Saying that 'good' means 'pleasant' commits the naturalistic fallacy by reducing an ethical concept to a natural property.
C2Logic
(academic, technical)The mistake of deriving ethical conclusions from purely factual premises, conflating descriptive statements with prescriptive ones.
Example
- Arguing that something ought to be done because it is natural is an example of the naturalistic fallacy.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "naturalistic fallacy":