Lecture on Views and Reasons in Ethics

Key Learning Objectives

• Identify the view and reasons of an argument.
• Identify the anchor or main moral reason of an argument.
• Explain your answers for identifying views, reasons, and anchors.

Important Vocabulary & Definitions

• Argument: Persuasive speech or writing. In ethics, it includes breaking down into views and reasons.
• View: Main point being promoted or defended.
• Reasons: Statements meant to persuade us of the view.

Structure of an Argument

• Typically, one view and multiple reasons.
• Occasionally, multiple views or only one reason.

Example Argument

• View: Anyone who can go vegetarian should.
• Reasons: Suffering caused by the meat industry, moral imperative to reduce suffering, moral importance of integrity.

Identifying Views: Four-step Method

1. Identify the Topic: Look for what most statements address.
2. Identify Topic-Specific Normative Statements.
3. Find the Most Controversial Normative Statement: Likely the view.
4. Double-check Using Template: Fill in blank because blank.

General vs. Topic-Specific Statements

• General Statements: Apply to all situations, not tied to a specific topic.
• Topic-Specific Statements: Vocabulary tied directly to the topic.

Normative vs. Factual Claims

• Normative Claims: What should be done; standards or ideals.
• Factual Claims: Describe how the world is, was, or will be; can be tested with evidence. However they can be false

Identifying Normative Claims

• All views in arguments are normative.
• Normative claims express duties, rights, virtues, etc.

Controversial Statements

• Most controversial normative statement is likely the view.
• Example: Anyone who can go vegetarian should is a controversial statement.

Double-Check Method

• Use the template blank because blank to ensure you have identified the correct view.

Identifying Reasons

1. Identify the View.
2. Test Statements Using Template: view because blank.
3. Focus on Main Claims.

Moral Reasons and the Anchor

• Moral Reasons: Normative reasons that mention moral standards.
• Anchor: Most important moral reason, ties all reasons together.
• Example Anchor: We should reduce unnecessary suffering when we can.

Conclusion

• Be able to identify views, reasons, and the anchor using defined methods.
• Explanations should use key vocabulary and demonstrate understanding of the methods discussed.