Stevenson and Emotivism
Charles Stevenson developed emotivism, treating moral statements as expressions of attitude plus imperative intent. 'Stealing is wrong' means 'Boo to stealing!' and attempts to persuade others to disapprove. Emotivism denies moral statements state facts.
Real World
During Brexit debates, politicians saying 'Sovereignty is good' were not stating verifiable facts — they were expressing pro-sovereignty attitudes and attempting to persuade the public, which is exactly Stevenson's emotivist analysis of moral language.
Exam Focus
Distinguish Stevenson from Ayer: Stevenson adds imperative persuasive intent to mere expression — this distinction is frequently tested at A-level.
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