What is error theory?

Answer 1

Error theory is a philosophical position in ethics that asserts moral statements are systematically false because they presuppose the existence of objective moral values, which do not exist. Proponents, like J.L. Mackie, argue that while people may express moral beliefs, these beliefs are based on misconceptions about morality's objective nature. Essentially, error theory maintains that moral discourse is flawed, as it relies on the assumption that there are moral truths when, according to the theory, there are none. This view contrasts with moral realism, which holds that there are indeed objective moral facts.