Who Is G E Moore: The Philosopher Who Shaped Modern Ethics

George Edward Moore, commonly known as G E Moore, was a prominent philosopher in the early 20th century. He is widely recognized for his contributions to the field of ethics, especially for his ideas on intuitionism. Moore's work continues to influence contemporary philosophy, making him a significant figure in the discipline.

Early Life and Education

Moore was born on November 4, 1873, in Upper Norwood, London. His father, Dr. Daniel Moore, was a physician, and his mother, Henrietta Sturge, was an artist. Moore grew up in a religious household, but he later became an atheist.

Moore studied at Dulwich College and then entered Trinity College, Cambridge in 1892. He initially intended to study mathematics, but he soon switched to classics, which he found more interesting. Moore excelled academically and became a fellow at Trinity College in 1898.

Philosophical Contributions

Moore's philosophical career began with his doctoral dissertation, "The Nature of Judgment," which he completed in 1898. He then turned his attention to ethics, publishing his first major work, "Principia Ethica," in 1903. In this book, Moore put forth his intuitionist theory, which argues that moral truths are known through intuition and are not derived from reason or empirical evidence.

Moore's intuitionism was a reaction against the dominant ethical theories of the time, such as utilitarianism and Kantianism, which he believed were flawed. He argued that moral truths are objective, and that they exist independently of human opinions or attitudes.

Moore's intuitionism was influential in the development of contemporary ethics, especially in the works of philosophers such as W.D. Ross and H.A. Prichard.

Notable Works

Moore's most famous work, "Principia Ethica," is still widely read and discussed today. In this book, Moore argues that the good is an intrinsic property of things, and that it cannot be reduced to any other property. He famously coined the term "naturalistic fallacy," which refers to the mistake of identifying the good with some natural property, such as pleasure, happiness or satisfaction.

Moore's other significant contributions to philosophy include his defense of common sense, his theory of perception, and his critique of idealism. He also wrote extensively on epistemology, metaphysics, and the philosophy of language.

Influence on Contemporary Philosophy

Moore's influence on contemporary philosophy is significant, particularly in the areas of ethics and epistemology. His intuitionism has been a source of inspiration for philosophers who reject the traditional consequentialist and deontological approaches to ethics.

Moore's work on common sense has also been influential in the development of analytic philosophy. His critique of idealism helped to steer philosophy away from metaphysical speculation and toward a more rigorous and empirical approach.

Legacy

Moore's legacy in philosophy is enduring. His intuitionism continues to be debated and refined, and his contributions to the development of analytic philosophy are widely recognized. Moore's ideas have influenced generations of philosophers, and his work remains an essential reference for anyone interested in ethics and epistemology.

Moore died on October 24, 1958, in Cambridge, England. He left behind a significant body of work that continues to shape contemporary philosophy.

Final Thoughts

G E Moore was a significant figure in the history of philosophy, particularly in the development of contemporary ethics and epistemology. His intuitionism challenged the dominant ethical theories of his time and continues to be debated and refined today. Moore's work on common sense and his critique of idealism have also left a lasting impact on the field of philosophy. Overall, Moore's legacy continues to shape and influence contemporary philosophy.