Prescriptivism LO I will understand what RM Hare

Prescriptivism LO: I will understand what RM Hare meant by prescriptivism Homework: Due in for the first lesson after Christmas. “prescriptivism is superior”. Discuss

Recap Summarize in 2 or 3 sentences: a) AJ Ayer’s meta ethics b) CL Stevenson’s meta ethics c) GE Moore’s meta ethics

RM Hare and prescriptivism u u u u Moral judgements are prescriptive (express certain behaviour) Moral judgements have universal qualities Ethical statements say what ought to be done Universal prescriptivism is superior Everyone should do the same in similar situations Ethical statements express will/wishes Moral statements are objective Moral statements command behaviour

Find out…. What are Hare’s key books? u How does Hare take Stevenson’s work one step further? u What is Hare’s version of prescriptivism? u What is Hare’s view of universalisability? u Why does Mackie reject Hare’s ideas? u

Further ideas…. What are Hare’s key books? a) “The language of morals” b) “Freedom and reason” u How does Hare take Stevenson’s work one step further? Moral judgments are both prescriptive and universal. u What is Hare’s version of prescriptivism? a) Moral statements have a prescriptive quality. b) Moral statements command behaviour. u What is Hare’s view of universalisability? a) Reason has a role. b) Moral statements have a universal character. c) You should pass on this advice to others. u Why does Mackie reject Hare’s ideas? Our preferences are different, so you cannot universalise moral statements. u

Debate This house believes ethical statements should not be universalised.