Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- Introduction
- 1 The open question argument
- 2 Emotivism
- 3 Error theory
- 4 Moral realism and naturalism
- 5 Moral realism and non-naturalism
- 6 Quasi-realism
- 7 Moral relativism
- 8 Moral psychology
- 9 Moral epistemology
- 10 Fictionalism and non-descriptive cognitivism
- Questions
- Glossary
- References
- Index
Preface
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- Introduction
- 1 The open question argument
- 2 Emotivism
- 3 Error theory
- 4 Moral realism and naturalism
- 5 Moral realism and non-naturalism
- 6 Quasi-realism
- 7 Moral relativism
- 8 Moral psychology
- 9 Moral epistemology
- 10 Fictionalism and non-descriptive cognitivism
- Questions
- Glossary
- References
- Index
Summary
This book is intended for anyone who is new to metaethics. It is a survey of some of the main developments in the field over the past hundred years. It evolved from teaching material I have been developing over the past eight years. I thank all those students who took my metaethics course and helped me reflect on the best way to present these issues.
While I was teaching it became clear that, although there are a number of excellent detailed books covering metaethics, for example Alexander Miller's An Introduction to Contemporary Metaethics (2003), what was needed was a simpler book that would act as a springboard into the subject. I toyed with the idea of “An Introduction to An Introduction to Contemporary Metaethics” – but only momentarily! This is that book and I hope it will be a gateway into further studies in metaethics.
I would like to thank certain friends who have read and commented on complete drafts of the book. Rosie Fisher's insightful comments were massively helpful. Janet Fisher made me think and rethink the process of writing and could spot an error at fifty paces. I thank you both for your indefatigable efforts.
I am lucky to work with excellent colleagues. Jonathan Tallant and Christopher Woodard read a complete draft and kept me on my philosophical toes throughout.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- MetaethicsAn Introduction, pp. vii - viiiPublisher: Acumen PublishingPrint publication year: 2011