Overview
This lecture introduces moral expressivism, a theory in ethics that explains moral statements as expressions of feelings or attitudes rather than statements of objective fact.
What is Moral Expressivism?
- Moral expressivism is a theory about the meaning of moral language.
- It claims that when people make moral statements, they are expressing personal attitudes or emotions.
- Moral expressivism is a type of moral anti-realism.
- Anti-realism challenges the idea that moral statements are true or false like factual statements.
- According to expressivism, saying "stealing is wrong" expresses disapproval of stealing, not a factual claim.
Expressivism vs. Moral Realism
- Moral realism says moral statements are objectively true or false.
- Expressivism denies that moral statements describe objective moral properties.
- Expressivists argue that moral statements have no traditional truth values.
- Moral debates in expressivism are about sharing and negotiating personal values, not discovering absolute truths.
- Realism holds that actions are right or wrong regardless of opinions; expressivism focuses on personal and societal attitudes.
Practical Implications of Expressivism
- Expressivism influences ethical discussions by emphasizing sharing and negotiating values.
- In moral education, it shifts the focus to shaping attitudes and values rather than teaching moral facts.
- Expressivism explains how changing social norms reflect evolving attitudes.
- It challenges the idea of universal moral standards but encourages open and inclusive ethical discussions.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Moral expressivism — the theory that moral statements express emotions or attitudes, not objective truths.
- Moral anti-realism — the view that moral statements do not describe objective facts.
- Moral realism — the belief that moral statements can be true or false based on objective properties.
- Truth value — whether a statement can be classified as true or false.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review differences between expressivism and realism.
- Consider examples of moral statements and what is being expressed.
- Reflect on how this theory could impact discussions about morality in society.