Error Theory and Noncognitivism
Error Theory and Noncognitivism are positions in metaethics concerning moral language and judgments. Error Theory holds that moral statements aim to describe objective facts, but all such statements are false because there are no moral facts. Noncognitivism, in contrast, argues that moral statements do not attempt to state facts at all; instead, they express emotions, attitudes, or prescriptions, and thus cannot be true or false in the traditional sense.
Error Theory and Noncognitivism
Error Theory and Noncognitivism are positions in metaethics concerning moral language and judgments. Error Theory holds that moral statements aim to describe objective facts, but all such statements are false because there are no moral facts. Noncognitivism, in contrast, argues that moral statements do not attempt to state facts at all; instead, they express emotions, attitudes, or prescriptions, and thus cannot be true or false in the traditional sense.
💡 Key Takeaways
- Differentiate how error theory and noncognitivism treat moral language and truth conditions.
- Understand error theory's claim that there are no moral facts, so all moral statements are false.
- Understand noncognitivism's claim that moral statements do not express propositions and are not truth-evaluable; they express attitudes or prescriptions.
- Consider implications for moral disagreement and guidance under each view.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is Error Theory in metaethics?
Error Theory holds that moral statements aim to describe objective moral facts, but since there are no moral facts, all such statements are false.
What is Noncognitivism in metaethics?
Noncognitivism argues that moral statements do not express beliefs or describe facts; instead they express emotions, approvals, or prescriptions and are not truth-apt.
How do these views differ in what moral language does?
Error Theory treats moral talk as fact-reporting that is always false; Noncognitivism treats moral talk as expressing attitudes or guiding behavior, not stating facts.
How do they explain moral disagreement?
Error Theory explains disputes as disagreements about false moral claims; Noncognitivism explains disputes as differing attitudes, not factual disagreements.
Who are key figures associated with these theories?
Error Theory is associated with J. L. Mackie; Noncognitivism (emotivism) with A. J. Ayer and C. L. Stevenson (and related prescriptivist ideas).