Error theory

Error Theory

Error theory is a philosophical concept that primarily arises in the context of meta-ethics, a branch of philosophy that seeks to understand the nature, scope, and meaning of moral judgments. The theory is most notably associated with the work of philosopher J.L. Mackie, who articulated it in his influential book Ethics: Inventing Right and Wrong (1977).

Overview

Error theory posits that although moral statements are expressed as if they are factual claims, they are systematically false. According to error theorists, when people make moral claims, they are attempting to state truths about the world. However, since there are no objective moral facts, all such claims are erroneous.

Key Components

Error theory can be broken down into several key components:

Cognitivism

Error theory is a form of cognitivism, which holds that moral statements are propositions that can be true or false. Unlike non-cognitivists, who argue that moral statements merely express emotions or prescriptions, error theorists maintain that moral language purports to describe the world.

Ontological Claim

The ontological claim of error theory is that there are no objective moral values or properties. This is sometimes referred to as moral anti-realism. Error theorists argue that moral properties, such as "goodness" or "wrongness," do not exist in the same way that physical properties, like mass or charge, do.

Semantic Claim

The semantic claim of error theory is that moral language is systematically in error. When people use moral language, they are attempting to refer to objective moral properties, but since such properties do not exist, all moral statements are false.

Arguments for Error Theory

Error theorists provide several arguments to support their view:

Argument from Queerness

J.L. Mackie's "argument from queerness" suggests that if there were objective moral values, they would be of a very strange sort, utterly different from anything else in the universe. This metaphysical "queerness" makes the existence of such values implausible.

Argument from Relativity

The "argument from relativity" points to the widespread disagreement about moral issues across different cultures and societies. Error theorists argue that this diversity suggests that moral values are not objective but rather culturally constructed.

Criticisms of Error Theory

Error theory faces several criticisms:

Moral Intuition

Critics argue that error theory conflicts with our moral intuitions. People generally believe that some actions are objectively right or wrong, and error theory's denial of this seems counterintuitive.

Practical Implications

Some philosophers contend that error theory undermines moral discourse and practice. If all moral claims are false, it becomes challenging to justify moral behavior or engage in moral reasoning.

Related Concepts

• Moral realism
• Non-cognitivism
• Moral relativism

Conclusion

Error theory presents a radical challenge to traditional moral thought by denying the existence of objective moral facts. While it offers a coherent explanation for moral discourse, it also raises significant philosophical and practical questions about the nature of morality.