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Ethics, Values and Knowledge
Quick questions on Reasoning about values explained: H2 Knowledge and Inquiry
5short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is reasoning is possible despite the is-ought gap?Show answer
The is-ought gap shows that no moral conclusion follows from purely factual premises without an evaluative premise. It does not show that moral reasoning is impossible. Once evaluative premises are in play, we can reason about values rigorously: testing consistency, drawing out consequences, and weighing principles against cases. Moral reasoning is the disciplined manipulation of evaluative and factual premises together, and it is the antidote to the assumption that ethics is mere opinion.
What are the main normative frameworks?Show answer
Moral reasoning often appeals to one of three broad frameworks, which supply the evaluative premises. Consequentialism judges actions by their outcomes, holding that we ought to bring about the best results (for example, the greatest overall wellbeing). Deontology judges actions by their conformity to duties or rules, holding that some acts are required or forbidden regardless of consequences (keeping promises, not using people merely as means). Virtue ethics judges actions by what a person of good character would do, focusing on traits like honesty and courage.
What is q1?Show answer
Explain why the is-ought gap does not make moral reasoning impossible. [6 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
Describe how reflective equilibrium justifies a moral belief. [8 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
State two ways moral reasoning can narrow a disagreement. [6 marks]
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