Moral Knowledge: Volume 18, Part 2

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Moral Knowledge: Volume 18, Part 2
Authors and Contributors      Edited by Ellen Frankel Paul
Edited by Fred D. Miller, Jr
Edited by Jeffrey Paul
SeriesSocial Philosophy and Policy
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:388
Dimensions(mm): Height 230,Width 154
Category/GenreEthics and moral philosophy
ISBN/Barcode 9780521006033
ClassificationsDewey:170
Audience
Professional & Vocational
Illustrations Worked examples or Exercises

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 13 August 2001
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

Philosophers since ancient times have pondered how we can know whether moral claims are true or false. The first half of the twentieth century witnessed widespread skepticism concerning the possibility of moral knowledge. Indeed, some argued that moral statements lacked cognitive content altogether, because they were not susceptible to empirical verification. The British philosopher A. J. Ayer contends that 'They are pure expressions of feeling and as such do not come under the category of truth and falsehood. They are unverifiable ... because they do not express genuine propositions.' The second half of the twentieth century brought a revival of interest among philosophers in moral and political questions. Whether or not ethics can be founded upon a rational basis continues to preoccupy the philosophical community even now.