Question

Which one of the following options is challenged by G. E. Moore’s ‘Open Question Argument’ concerning meta-ethical positions?

• A. Naturalism but not Supernaturalism
• B. Supernaturalism but not Naturalism
• C. Both Naturalism and Supernaturalism
• D. Neither Naturalism nor Supernaturalism

Hint:

Moore's argument doesn't just reject natural definitions of "good" — it also applies to supernatural definitions. Any attempt to define "good" makes it vulnerable to the open question challenge.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understand the Open Question Argument. 
G. E. Moore’s Open Question Argument posits that for any proposed definition of "good" (e.g., pleasure, will of God), it is always an open and meaningful question to ask, “But is that really good?” Hence, "good" is indefinable. 
Step 2: Identify the meta-ethical positions under challenge. 
Ethical Naturalism (e.g., defining good as pleasure) is directly challenged.
Ethical Supernaturalism (e.g., defining good as the will of God) is also challenged, since it too tries to define "good" in terms of something else.
Thus, Moore's argument challenges both naturalistic and supernaturalistic accounts of morality.