Prescriptivism (R.M. Hare)

Question 1

What is prescriptivism?

Answer 1

A non-cognitive theory: moral statements prescribe a course of action.

Question 2

What is universalisability in prescriptivism?

Answer 2

Moral statements must apply universally to all in similar situations.

Question 3

Example of prescriptivism: “Cheating on exams is wrong”?

Answer 3

Means “Nobody should cheat on exams” — applies to all, including me.

Question 4

What is prescriptivism’s strength in debates?

Answer 4

It makes sense of why moral debates are serious — they prescribe rules for all.