Principia Ethica · Character

G. E. Moore

A Cambridge philosopher who tears down everyone else's ethics to prove that 'good' is indefinable, then dares to say what is good anyway.

major

Also known as Unknown, me, myself, mine, ourselves, ours, Our, our

First appearance: Principia Ethica

As a major figure in Principia Ethica, G. E. Moore is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The author, dedicating his work to his Cambridge teachers and friends.

In the storyDedicationOpen this moment free

See G. E. Moore in Dedication Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Moore is the book's author, narrator, and chief combatant — a Trinity College don who treats the entire history of moral philosophy as a crime scene of logical errors. He is disarmingly honest about his own work's defects, admitting in his preface that he could not stop correcting it without rewriting the whole book, yet he is ruthless toward the 'naturalistic fallacy' in others. His central obsession — that goodness is a simple, unanalyzable property, like yellow — drives the early chapters and sets the terms for every argument that follows.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of G. E. Moore sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See G. E. Moore in Principia Ethica

Character Web

17 connections

A slice of how G. E. Moore sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Protagonist
Utilitarian and egoist theorists
Broad ethical reference group
Pleasure dialogue participants

+12 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the text declares that we must finally understand what "good"…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

In the story

G. E. Moore appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Dedication
The author, dedicating his work to his Cambridge teachers and friends.
Preface to the 1903 Edition
Author of the preface, setting out his aims and acknowledging influences and oversights.
Preface to the 1922 Edition
Author of the book, reaffirming his agreement with its main tendency and conclusions in 1922.
Principia Ethica
Author and central philosopher presenting his ethical theory.
I: The Subject-Matter of Ethics
The author and primary voice, arguing for the indefinability of 'good' and critiquing naturalistic ethics.
II: Naturalistic Ethics
Author and primary voice; defines and critiques naturalistic ethics, identifies the naturalistic fallacy, and examines Spencer's views.
III: Hedonism
Author and primary critic of Hedonism; argues against Mill and Sidgwick.
IV: Metaphysical Ethics
Author and central critic; argues against metaphysical ethics and the naturalistic fallacy.
Ethics in Relation to Conduct
Author and primary voice; argues for the causal definition of 'right' and analyzes virtue's intrinsic value.
VI: The Ideal
Author and primary voice; presents his conclusions on intrinsic goods and evils, and defends his method of ethical reasoning.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for G. E. Moore unlock in the free preview.

See G. E. Moore in Principia Ethica

See G. E. Moore in Dedication