Expressivism

Definition

Expressivism is a non-cognitivist theory in ethics that suggests moral statements do not aim to describe the world or assert truths, but instead express emotional responses or attitudes. This perspective emphasizes that when individuals make moral claims, they are essentially sharing their feelings or encouraging others to adopt similar attitudes, rather than stating facts about moral properties. This view connects closely with debates surrounding the nature of moral language and the distinction between different forms of ethical theory.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Expressivism holds that moral language primarily serves to express our emotions, intentions, and commitments rather than convey objective truths.
2. This theory rejects the idea that moral statements can be evaluated in terms of truth or falsity, which sets it apart from cognitivist theories.
3. Expressivists argue that when people make ethical claims, they are more concerned with influencing behavior and expressing personal sentiments than stating facts.
4. Prominent figures in expressivism include philosophers like A.J. Ayer and Simon Blackburn, who have contributed significantly to the development of this ethical framework.
5. The expressivist view aligns well with the notion of moral disagreement being rooted in differing emotional responses rather than factual disputes.

Review Questions

• How does expressivism differ from cognitivist theories in understanding the nature of moral statements?
  • Expressivism differs from cognitivist theories primarily in its treatment of moral statements; while cognitivists maintain that these statements can be true or false and reflect beliefs about moral facts, expressivists argue that moral claims are expressions of emotions or attitudes without truth value. This means that for expressivists, saying 'Stealing is wrong' is akin to expressing disapproval rather than stating an objective fact about stealing itself. The contrast lies in whether moral language is viewed as descriptive (cognitivism) or expressive (expressivism).
• Discuss how expressivism impacts our understanding of moral disagreement among individuals.
  • Expressivism influences our understanding of moral disagreement by framing it as a clash of attitudes or emotions rather than a dispute over factual claims. When two people disagree on a moral issue, expressivists would argue that they are not contesting objective truths but are instead expressing different emotional responses towards the same issue. This means discussions around morality may focus more on understanding each other's feelings and perspectives rather than trying to establish an objective truth, highlighting the role of emotions in ethical debates.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of expressivism in explaining moral language and practice compared to moral realism.
  • The strengths of expressivism lie in its ability to account for the motivational aspect of moral language, emphasizing how our emotional responses shape ethical discussions and actions. It offers a compelling explanation for why people often disagree on moral issues; they may simply have different emotional reactions. However, a significant weakness is its inability to address the notion of objective morality effectively, which is a cornerstone of moral realism. Critics argue that expressivism struggles with explaining why we should care about moral disagreements if they stem purely from subjective feelings. Thus, while expressivism enriches our understanding of the emotive function of ethics, it raises questions about the existence and relevance of objective moral truths.

Related terms

Non-Cognitivism: A philosophical stance that argues moral statements cannot be true or false because they do not express beliefs or propositions about the world.

Cognitivism: The view that moral statements can be true or false and express beliefs about moral facts or properties.

Moral Realism: The belief that there are objective moral facts that exist independently of human beliefs and attitudes.