Emotivism

Meta Ethics

Emotivism

The idea that moral statements are not statements of fact, but are indicators of emotional states.

Non-Cognitivism

The belief that moral statements are not subject to truth or falsifiability.

Logical positivism

An idea developed by members of the Vienna Circle which considered philosophical analysis to be the way to undermine whether an idea is meaningful.

Verification Principle

A principle suggesting that statements are only meaningful if they are analytic (true by definition) or synthetic statements that can be verified by the senses.

A.J. Ayer arguement

Philosopher who agreed with the logical positivists on the verification principle and argued that ethical statements are factually meaningless.

Hume on morality

Argued that moral judgments are feelings or sentiments rather than factual judgments.

Evince

To show or indicate an emotional state, as used by A.J. Ayer in reference to ethical statements.

Ethical statements

Claims that express feelings or attitudes about moral issues rather than factual truths.

Meaning of ethical language

The debate regarding whether ethical language conveys meaningful propositions or merely expresses emotional reactions.

The impact of Ayer’s Emotivism

Ayer's view suggests that ethical statements do not convey information but instead reflect emotional disapproval or approval.