Meta-Ethical Semantics

Understanding Semantics in Morality

Cognitivist

Holds that moral judgments express objective beliefs about the world and can be true or false.

Posits the existence of objective moral facts or truths that are independent of subjective opinions or beliefs.

Is the view that moral values and ethical principles can be understood through natural phenomena and empirical investigation.

Is the position that moral values and ethical principles are not reducible to natural or empirical facts.

Asserts that moral judgments are grounded in individual subjectivity, such as personal preferences or emotions.

Posits that moral judgments are based on the perspective of an unbiased, rational, and fully informed observer.

Holds that moral obligations are grounded in the commands or will of a higher divine authority.

Argues that all moral judgments are fundamentally mistaken or false due to the absence of objective moral properties.

Is the view that moral statements do not express objective facts or beliefs but rather reflect personal attitudes, emotions, or preferences.

Is the approach that treats moral statements as expressions of non-cognitive attitudes while preserving the appearance of moral realism.

Is the theory that moral statements are expressions of subjective emotions or attitudes rather than objective truths or facts.

Posits that moral statements are universalizable prescriptions or commands.