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Full Idea
If someone wishes to say that ethical statements are statements of fact, only it is a queer sort of fact, he is welcome to do so.
Gist of Idea
Some people think there are ethical facts, but of a 'queer' sort
Source
A.J. Ayer (On the analysis of moral judgements [1949], p.233)
Book Ref
Ayer,A.J.: 'Philosophical Essays' [Macmillan 1965], p.233
A Reaction
The word 'queer' was picked up by Mackie and developed into his error theory, that moral facts are a misunderstanding. Personally I think that moral facts might be teleological facts, but that is rather hard to demonstrate.
| 6973 | Moral theories are all meta-ethical, and are neutral as regards actual conduct [Ayer] |
| 6968 | Some people think there are ethical facts, but of a 'queer' sort [Ayer] |
| 6969 | Approval of historical or fictional murders gives us leave to imitate them [Ayer] |
| 6970 | Moral judgements are not expressions, but are elements in a behaviour pattern [Ayer] |
| 6971 | I would describe intuitions of good as feelings of approval [Ayer] |
| 6972 | A right attitude is just an attitude one is prepared to stand by [Ayer] |
| 6974 | Moral judgements cannot be the logical consequence of a moral philosophy [Ayer] |