FIRST YEAR SEMINAR IN PHILOSOPHY: RELATIVISM
PHIL 196, Sec. 004: TTh 4pm-5:30pm in G160 Angell Hall
The University of Michigan
Fall 2004
Instructor: James Woodbridge
email address: jwood@umich.edu
Course Webpage: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~jwood/umich/Phil196.htm
Office Hours: T 2pm-3pm, W 12:30pm-2pm, and by appointment
Office: 2203 Angell Hall
Office Phone: 764-6882
Dept. Phone: 764-6285
RESPONSE ESSAY 8
In "The Subjectivity of Values," J.L. Mackie rejects realism about morality by denying the existence of objective values. He claims that we should embrace
moral scepticism and understand our talk of what is right/wrong and good/bad according to an "error theory". Write a 2-page paper explaining and reacting
to Mackie's position.
Aim to do the following sorts of things:
- In your own words, explain as clearly as you can what Mackies means by "objective values", emphasizing what he says is problematic about them.
- Explain what an error theory is and how it differs from non-cognitivism.
- Explain Mackie's "Argument from Queerness" against objective values. Why does he move to an error theory rather than
non-cognitivism?
- Evaluate his reasoning--Do you think Mackie provides sufficient reason for rejecting objective values? For endorsing an
error theory instead of non-cognitivism? Explain why or why not.
Keep your paper within the 2-page limit!
Your paper is due at the beginning of class, Tuesday, December 14th.