A Critical Study on William David Ross’s Moral Intuitionism with Emphasis on Religious Moral Intuitionism

The main question of this thesis is: “How can we form a system of religious moral intuitionism by integrating William David Ross’s moral intuitionism and the moral teachings of religion?” Relying on the theory of deontological theory and the use of the intuitive epistemic system, we give religious moral intuitionism as follows:

1. The description of “religious” in “Religious moral intuitionism” is neither intuition nor moral character, but rather the whole system of moral intuitionism because of its integration with the moral dimension of religion, to be religious.
2. Among the seven prima facie duties in moral intuitionism are the three principles of “beneficence”, “fidelity” and “honesty,” which are the direct fulfillment of religion is up to them and without these three principles, no religion will be formed.

1-2. “Inviting” the Prophet to the people, which is the starting point for the external realization of religion, is at least based on two ethical principles of “beneficence” and “honesty”. “If the people of a society accept the ethical necessity of beneficence and honesty, then a prophet can invite those people to religion and people respond to his invitation.” 2-2. the essence of faith is to respond to God’s invitation and to close a mutual covenant between God and man. Therefore, the nature of faith is based on “fidelity”. “If people in a society accept the ethical necessity of fidelity then they can have faith.”

3. Since most moral agents in most particular situations are incapable of resolving ethical conflicts, they should seek and consult with the wise, ethically. According to history, every prophet in his social environment was known as a benevolent and trustworthy of people and was one of the most important people to consult and his moral sayings were the guidelines.
4. In the process of moral reflection, what is achieved as an actual duty, in complex situations, usually anxious people whether they have made the right decision or not. In such situations, a prophet first offers a solution to the moral agent’s decision and, second, assures the believer in the choice of which product is one of the conflicting duties.
5. Therefore, in religious moral intuitionism, the prima facie duties are, on the one hand, the fulfillment of religion, and on the other hand, the words and conduct of the Prophet are guides to the believers in achieving their actual duty.