1. Prescriptivism
LO: I will understand what RM Hare meant by prescriptivism
Homework: Due in for the first lesson after Christmas.
“prescriptivism is superior”. Discuss

2. Recap Summarize in 2 or 3 sentences: AJ Ayer’s meta ethics
CL Stevenson’s meta ethics
GE Moore’s meta ethics

3. RM Hare and prescriptivism
Moral judgements are prescriptive (express certain behaviour)
Moral judgements have universal qualities
Ethical statements say what ought to be done
Universal prescriptivism is superior
Everyone should do the same in similar situations
Ethical statements express will/wishes
Moral statements are objective
Moral statements command behaviour

4. Find out…. What are Hare’s key books?
How does Hare take Stevenson’s work one step further?
What is Hare’s version of prescriptivism?
What is Hare’s view of universalisability?
Why does Mackie reject Hare’s ideas?

5. Further ideas…. What are Hare’s key books? “The language of morals”
“Freedom and reason”
How does Hare take Stevenson’s work one step further?
Moral judgments are both prescriptive and universal.
What is Hare’s version of prescriptivism?
Moral statements have a prescriptive quality.
Moral statements command behaviour.
What is Hare’s view of universalisability?
Reason has a role.
Moral statements have a universal character.
You should pass on this advice to others.
Why does Mackie reject Hare’s ideas?
Our preferences are different, so you cannot universalise moral statements.

6. This house believes ethical statements should not be universalised.
Debate
This house believes ethical statements should not be universalised.