Universal prescriptivism

Universal prescriptivism is a meta-ethical theory that suggests that moral statements are not only expressions of emotional attitudes but also prescriptions for action that apply universally. This theory was developed by the British philosopher R. M. Hare in the mid-20th century.

Overview

Universal prescriptivism is a form of non-cognitivism, which holds that moral statements do not describe states of the world and cannot be true or false. Instead, they function as imperatives or commands. According to Hare, when someone makes a moral statement, they are not merely expressing their feelings but are also prescribing a course of action that they believe should be followed by everyone in similar circumstances.

Key Concepts

Prescriptivism

Prescriptivism is the view that moral statements are prescriptions or commands. For example, when someone says, "Stealing is wrong," they are not just expressing disapproval of stealing but are also prescribing that people should not steal.

Universality

The principle of universality is central to Hare's theory. It holds that if a moral statement is to be valid, it must apply to all similar situations. This means that if one prescribes a certain action in a particular situation, they must also prescribe the same action in all relevantly similar situations.

Moral Reasoning

Hare argued that moral reasoning involves considering the implications of one's prescriptions and ensuring that they can be consistently applied universally. This process requires a level of rationality and impartiality, as one must be willing to accept the same prescriptions for oneself as for others.

Criticism

Universal prescriptivism has faced various criticisms. Some philosophers argue that it fails to account for the descriptive aspect of moral language, while others believe it does not adequately address the issue of moral motivation. Critics also question whether the principle of universality can be consistently applied in all moral situations.

Influence

Despite the criticisms, universal prescriptivism has had a significant impact on contemporary moral philosophy. It has influenced debates on moral realism, emotivism, and other meta-ethical theories. Hare's work has also contributed to discussions on the nature of moral language and the role of rationality in ethical decision-making.

Related Pages

• R. M. Hare
• Non-cognitivism
• Emotivism
• Moral realism
• Meta-ethics
• Moral language