The naturalistic fallacy is a common cognitive bias that can lead to logical errors in reasoning. It is the mistake of assuming that what is natural is necessarily good or right, simply because it is part of the natural world. This fallacy is particularly relevant in ethical decision-making, where it can lead to incorrect conclusions about what is moral and ethical. The naturalistic fallacy is rooted in the belief that something is good because it follows from the laws of nature, without considering any other factors. This belief can be dangerous because it can lead to the justification of harmful behaviors and practices. The naturalistic fallacy is often associated with the philosopher G. E. Moore, who argued that it is a mistake to define good in terms of natural properties. Moore believed that the naturalistic fallacy occurs when people try to define moral concepts such as good and bad in terms of natural properties, such as pleasure or happiness. He argued that moral concepts are irreducible and cannot be defined in terms of natural properties. The naturalistic fallacy can be seen in many different areas of life, including politics, economics, and social norms. For example, some people may argue that it is natural for men to be dominant over women, or that it is natural for certain races to be superior to others. These arguments are based on the assumption that what is natural is necessarily good or right, without considering the ethical implications of such beliefs. In conclusion, the naturalistic fallacy is a cognitive bias that can lead to logical errors in reasoning. It is the mistake of assuming that what is natural is necessarily good or right, simply because it is part of the natural world. This fallacy is particularly relevant in ethical decision-making, where it can lead to incorrect conclusions about what is moral and ethical. It is important to be aware of this fallacy and to consider all relevant factors when making ethical decisions.
cognitive bias, logical errors, ethical decision-making, G. E. Moore, irreducible, moral concepts, natural properties, politics, economics, social norms
The naturalistic fallacy is a cognitive bias that can lead to logical fallacies. It is the belief that what is natural is necessarily good or right. This belief is based on the assumption that something is good because it follows from the laws of nature, without considering any other factors. This fallacy is particularly relevant in ethical decision-making, as it can lead to incorrect conclusions about what is moral and ethical. For example, if a person believed that it was natural for the strong to dominate the weak, they may conclude that it is morally right for the strong to dominate the weak, without considering any other ethical implications.
Naturalistic fallacy, moral realism, ethical subjectivism, is-ought problem.
CITATION : "Jessica Adams. 'Naturalistic Fallacy.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=213944 (Accessed on June 30, 2025)"
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