Noncognitivism in Ethics

Noncognitivism in Ethics challenges the core of thinking about morality and metaethics, suggesting that when we say that stealing is wrong, we are doing more like venting our feelings or encouraging one another not to steal than stating facts about morality. This second edition of Mark Schroeder's book introduces and assesses three principal kinds of noncognitivist theory, including speech-act theories, expressivist theories, and hybrid theories, and offers solutions to the philosophical problems about what moral facts could be about or how they could matter. It also includes new sections on whether expressivism is a metasemantic thesis, the rise of relational expressivism, the idea that expressivism leads us to a novel understanding of the nature of propositions, and expressivism and epistemic modals, deontic modals, probability, and truth.

Format: Hardback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 18 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Noncognitivists argue that when we say that stealing is wrong, we are doing more than stating facts about morality. Instead, they suggest that we are expressing our feelings about stealing or encouraging others not to steal. These ideas challenge the core of much thinking about morality and metaethics, as well as philosophical thought about language and meaning.

Noncognitivism in Ethics provides an excellent introduction to these theories, covering their early history and the latest contemporary developments. Mark Schroeder, the author, introduces and assesses three principal kinds of noncognitivist theory: speech-act theories, expressivist theories, and hybrid theories. He delves into the philosophical problems that noncognitivism seeks to solve, such as understanding the nature of moral facts and how they could matter. Additionally, he addresses the deep challenges faced by noncognitivism, including explaining the complexity of moral attitudes and the Frege-Geach problem.

This second edition of Noncognitivism in Ethics has been revised and updated to include new sections on various topics. These include whether expressivism is a metasemantic thesis, the rise of relational expressivism, the idea that expressivism leads us to a novel understanding of the nature of propositions, and expressivism and epistemic modals, deontic modals, probability, and truth. Schroeder makes even the most difficult material accessible by offering crucial background information along the way. Additionally, the book includes exercises at the end of each chapter, chapter summaries, and a glossary of technical terms, making it an essential reading for all students of ethics and metaethics.

In conclusion, Noncognitivism in Ethics is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to noncognitivist theories in ethics and metaethics. It offers a valuable perspective on moral reasoning and challenges traditional views of morality. By exploring the speech-act, expressivist, and hybrid theories, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of moral thought and the challenges faced by noncognitivists. Whether you are a student of ethics or a philosopher interested in language and meaning, this book is a must-read.

Weight: 700g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367529277
Edition number: 2 ed