Single Idea 23725

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / h. Expressivism]

Full Idea

Ayer defends emotivism, which is his own favoured form of expressivism.

Gist of Idea

Ayer defends the emotivist version of expressivism

Source

report of A.J. Ayer (Language,Truth and Logic [1936], Ch.6) by Michael Smith - The Moral Problem 2.1

Book Reference

Smith,Michael: 'The Moral Problem' [Blackwell 1994], p.17


A Reaction

A helpful distinction of terminology. Expressivism is the broad theory, and emotivism is a sub-type, saying that it is emotions which are expressed. The alternative (such as Prescriptivism) is to express pro- and con- attitudes.