Richard Price’s moral philosophy can be classified as an Ethical Intuitionist in two key respects. First, he rejects empiricism as the sole basis for acquiring knowledge and instead embraces an intuitionist epistemology in ethics. In other words, Price argues that not all knowledge can be derived from experience alone, contrary to what empiricists believe.
Empiricists claim that our knowledge is derived from sensory experiences and observations. They argue that our moral judgments are merely reflections of our experiences and observations of the world. However, Price disagrees with this viewpoint and suggests that ethical knowledge is not solely derived from empirical observations.
According to Price, our moral knowledge is acquired through intuition. Intuition, in this context, refers to a direct apprehension or immediate understanding of moral truths. Price argues that we have an innate ability to apprehend moral principles and truths, and these intuitions guide our moral judgments and actions.
Price’s rejection of empiricism and embrace of intuitionism is grounded in his belief that moral truths are objective and universal. He posits that there are certain moral principles that are true and applicable in all situations and for all individuals, regardless of cultural or personal differences.
In his work, “A Review of the Principal Questions in Morals,” Price argues that moral principles are not contingent on individual preferences or societal norms. Instead, he asserts that moral truths are discoverable through rational reflection and introspection. This aligns with his intuitionist stance, as he believes that our intuitions provide us with direct access to these moral truths.
Price’s moral philosophy also emphasizes the importance of reason in ethical decision-making. While he acknowledges the role of intuition in acquiring moral knowledge, he contends that reason plays a crucial role in evaluating and applying these moral principles to specific situations.
Price argues that reason allows us to critically examine our intuitions, question their validity, and assess their coherence with other moral principles. By employing reason, we can engage in moral deliberation and make informed ethical choices that align with our intuitions and uphold objective moral truths.
Richard Price’s moral philosophy can be characterized as an Ethical Intuitionist approach. He rejects the idea that all knowledge, including moral knowledge, is derived solely from empirical observations. Instead, Price argues that our moral knowledge is acquired through intuition, which provides us with direct access to objective and universal moral truths. He also emphasizes the role of reason in evaluating and applying these moral principles to specific situations, allowing for moral deliberation and informed ethical decision-making.