What is prescriptivism?

Philosophy Metaethics Questions



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What is prescriptivism?

Prescriptivism is a metaethical theory that suggests moral statements are not descriptive claims about facts, but rather expressions of personal preferences or commands. According to prescriptivism, moral judgments are subjective and do not aim to describe the world, but rather to influence or guide the behavior of others. This theory was developed by philosopher R.M. Hare, who argued that moral language functions as a form of universalizable imperative, meaning that moral statements are essentially prescriptions for action that can be applied universally.