The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast Ep. 369: Philippa Foot's Naturalistic Ethics (Part One)
Jun 16, 2025
Delve into Philippa Foot's intriguing idea of 'Natural Goodness' and its biological basis for ethics. Discover the philosophical tension between is and ought, exploring Hume's insights on moral judgments. The conversation unfolds using the metaphor of an oak tree to examine naturalistic criteria for goodness. Listen as the hosts navigate the complexities of practical rationality and moral sentiments. They also discuss modern ethical dilemmas, blending philosophical theory with real-world entrepreneurial challenges.
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Ethics Rooted in Biology
- Philippa Foot develops an ethics based on biology, comparing human good with a healthy specimen of species.
- She argues human nature includes an ability for reflective reasoning tied to natural functioning and flourishing.
Moral Facts Beyond Feelings
- Foot challenges non-cognitivist views that moral statements only express feelings.
- She posits moral facts can arise from factual judgments about how life forms perform their functions.
Oak Tree Roots Example
- Foot uses the example of an oak tree's roots being deep and strong to illustrate good biological functioning.
- The roots' strength relates directly to the oak's ability to survive storms and flourish over time.
