Chapter 1: The Nature of Ethical Philosophy

Academic philosophy often serves as a fertile ground for some rather questionable notions. One might wonder, where else could these ideas originate? If you’re aware of other fields that yield similar levels of absurdity, please share! Now, let's delve into a specific area of philosophy known as ethics.

One concept that particularly frustrates me is the notion of 'objective morality.' My annoyance stems from the term's ambiguity, which can be interpreted in numerous ways—at least 20, to be precise. Ethicists frequently connect objective morality to moral realism. But what exactly is moral realism? And do we find various interpretations of it? These are pertinent inquiries.

Indeed, moral realism encompasses several definitions. One perspective argues that moral statements can possess truth independent of human thought, and some moral claims genuinely hold truth in this mind-independent manner. This assertion is primarily semantic; however, many moral realists seek to extend this notion by introducing a metaphysical component. This additional layer posits that moral claims are true because they correspond to some mind-independent entity.

Section 1.1: The Metaphysical Thesis

The metaphysical claims endorsed by moral realists appear to me as unnecessarily complex and puzzling. I fail to grasp why we should assume the existence of a grand metaphysical entity for abstract concepts like mathematics. So, why extend this reasoning to morality? I not only question the necessity of viewing morality and numbers as mind-independent truths, but I also see no compelling reason to believe they relate to any overarching metaphysical being—whether that being is God, a platonic ideal, or even a fictional character like Spock. What empirical predictions does moral realism offer that would allow me to validate its truth? Moreover, how would the acceptance of moral realism impact my life and preferences, as well as those of others?

Subsection 1.1.1: The Challenge of Moral Facts

If I am to concede that moral facts exist, that these facts are mind-independent, and that they are ontologically substantial, I will require substantial arguments to support such claims. However, it’s vital to understand that we can maintain a high regard for morality, even if our meta-ethical stance on morality lacks ultimate reassurance. For instance, a utilitarian could still argue against the morality of sacrificing 8 billion individuals to save a single life, regardless of the truth of moral realism.

Chapter 2: Engaging with Ethical Discussions

In the video "Crank (person) - YouTube," the discussion revolves around the peculiarities and contradictions that often arise in academic philosophy, particularly in ethics. It highlights the challenges faced when attempting to define objective morality and the implications of moral realism.

Another insightful resource is the video "ADAPTIVE Learning and AI | Marisa Zalabak | TBCY - YouTube," where the speaker explores the intersection of ethical considerations and technological advancements, shedding light on how adaptive learning systems might influence moral reasoning.