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0 min readIntroduction
G.E. Moore, a pivotal figure in 20th-century analytic philosophy, is often characterized as a ‘common-sense realist’. This label stems from his resolute opposition to the dominant philosophical currents of his era – namely, idealism and skepticism. Idealism, prevalent in British philosophy at the time, asserted that reality is fundamentally mental, while skepticism questioned the possibility of certain knowledge. Moore, in his seminal work *Principia Ethica* (1903) and other writings, challenged these views by advocating for a return to what he considered ‘common-sense’ beliefs about the world – beliefs that are self-evident and require no philosophical justification. His philosophy, therefore, represents a deliberate attempt to ground philosophical inquiry in the everyday experiences and intuitions of ordinary people.
The Rise of Idealism and Skepticism
To understand Moore’s ‘common-sense realism’, it’s crucial to grasp the philosophical landscape he reacted against. Late 19th and early 20th-century British philosophy was heavily influenced by Hegelian idealism, popularized by figures like T.H. Green and F.H. Bradley. Idealism posited that reality is ultimately spiritual or mental, and that the external world exists only as a manifestation of mind. This led to a questioning of the independent existence of objects and a focus on the interconnectedness of all things. Simultaneously, skepticism, fueled by advancements in scientific understanding and the limitations of human perception, cast doubt on the possibility of attaining certain knowledge about the external world.
Moore’s Rejection of Idealism and Skepticism
Moore vehemently rejected both idealism and skepticism. He argued that these philosophical positions were based on a misunderstanding of language and a misguided attempt to find a deeper, more fundamental reality behind our everyday experiences. He believed that certain propositions, such as “Here is a hand,” are demonstrably true and require no further justification. This wasn’t to say that philosophical inquiry was pointless, but rather that it should begin with, and remain grounded in, these self-evident truths.
Key Tenets of Moore’s Philosophy
Direct Acquaintance and Indirect Belief
A central concept in Moore’s philosophy is the distinction between ‘acquaintance’ and ‘belief’. Moore argued that we have direct acquaintance with sense-data – the immediate sensations we experience, such as the color red or the feeling of warmth. Beliefs, on the other hand, are propositions we hold to be true, but they are always based on inferences from our experiences. Moore emphasized that philosophical problems often arise from confusing these two concepts. We mistakenly believe that we need to *prove* the existence of things we directly experience.
The Open Question Argument in Ethics
While primarily known for his meta-ethics, Moore’s ethical arguments illuminate his broader philosophical approach. In *Principia Ethica*, he introduced the ‘open question argument’ to demonstrate that ‘good’ cannot be defined in terms of any natural property (e.g., pleasure, happiness). For any proposed definition, one can always meaningfully ask, “Is that *really* good?” This demonstrates that ‘good’ is a simple, non-natural property that cannot be reduced to anything else. This aligns with his realist stance – ‘good’ exists independently of our opinions about it.
Common-Sense as a Philosophical Method
Moore advocated for a ‘common-sense’ approach to philosophy. This didn’t mean accepting uncritically everything that everyone believes. Rather, it meant starting with the beliefs that are most deeply ingrained in our everyday lives – beliefs about the existence of external objects, the reality of time, and the validity of logical principles. He believed that these beliefs are generally reliable and should be treated as starting points for philosophical inquiry. He argued that philosophical problems often arise when philosophers attempt to question these fundamental beliefs without sufficient reason.
Why ‘Common-Sense Realism’?
Moore’s philosophy is termed ‘common-sense realism’ because it combines a commitment to realism – the belief that the external world exists independently of our minds – with a methodological emphasis on common-sense beliefs. He wasn’t attempting to *prove* the existence of the external world; he was simply asserting that it is obvious and that any philosophical system that denies it is fundamentally flawed. His realism is ‘common-sense’ because it is based on the everyday experiences and intuitions of ordinary people, rather than on abstract metaphysical speculation. He believed that philosophy should clarify our common-sense beliefs, not overturn them.
| Philosophical Position | Key Tenets | Moore’s Response |
|---|---|---|
| Idealism | Reality is fundamentally mental; the external world is a manifestation of mind. | Rejected; asserted the independent existence of external objects based on direct experience. |
| Skepticism | Certain knowledge about the external world is impossible. | Rejected; argued that certain propositions (e.g., “Here is a hand”) are demonstrably true. |
| Moore’s Common-Sense Realism | The external world exists independently of our minds; philosophical inquiry should begin with common-sense beliefs. | Emphasized direct acquaintance with facts and the importance of clarifying our concepts. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Moore’s philosophy is rightly called ‘common-sense realism’ due to its foundational commitment to the independent existence of the external world and its methodological reliance on the beliefs that are most deeply ingrained in our everyday lives. He offered a powerful antidote to the prevailing idealism and skepticism of his time, advocating for a return to philosophical clarity and a grounding of inquiry in the concrete realities of experience. His work continues to influence contemporary analytic philosophy, particularly in its emphasis on linguistic analysis and the importance of conceptual clarity.
Answer Length
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