Error Theory_default

Introduction to Error Theory

• Jeffrey Bagwell, philosophy faculty at Spokane Community College, introduces error theory.

• Error theory is a metaphysical theory about existence, not an ethical theory.

• Metaphysics: study of fundamental types of existence, beyond physics (subatomic particles, atoms).

What is Error Theory?

• Definition: Error theory posits that moral judgments (what is right and wrong) are inherently false.

• Claims that values and morality do not exist in the world as features like physical objects do (e.g., mountains or cities).

The Nature of Existence

• Error theory compares moral values to physical entities in science:

  • Physics identifies things like forces (gravity, mass) and particles (atoms, electrons).

  • Error theorists assert that morality does not correspond to any existing features in the universe.

  • Moral judgments are compared to statements about fictional creatures (e.g., unicorns having wings).

Understanding Judgments in Error Theory

• When making a moral judgment:

  • Example: "Stealing is wrong" is treated similarly to "Spokane is west of Seattle" (factually false).

  • Error theorists argue no moral truths exist; thus, statements about right or wrong are always false.

  • The key concept: moral facts do not hold any truth-value, similar to claims about imaginary entities.

Knowledge and Moral Judgments

• Knowledge requires true statements about reality.

• Since moral judgments are false because they refer to non-existent concepts:

  • We cannot claim any knowledge of moral values (e.g., claiming something is good or bad is invalid).

Categorical Reasons vs. Personal Preferences

• Categorical reasons: Universal reasons that apply regardless of individual desires.

  • Example: Exercise is good for health, regardless of personal preference.

• Error theory asserts that categorical reasons do not exist in the world.

• Moral judgments are fundamentally mistaken belief in objective moral truths that do not exist.

Conclusion: Implications of Error Theory

• Error theory reveals a fundamental mistake in moral reasoning—believing in objective moral truths.

• Concludes that moral judgments fail to describe the reality of existence.

• Ultimately, asserts that:

  • No moral judgments can be true.

  • No moral knowledge can exist since values and morality don't exist in the same manner as physical objects.