Moral nihilism

Moral nihilism asserts that nothing is morally right or wrong

Error theory, a form of moral nihilism, argues that moral properties do not exist in the world. Therefore, traditional views of morality, which rely on objective values, are invalid according to this perspective.

Example

If someone believes that stealing is always wrong, moral nihilism would argue that this belief is not grounded in any objective moral truth.

Understanding moral nihilism is crucial for exploring the foundations of moral philosophy and the debate over the existence of objective moral values.

Related concepts

Nominalism

Nominalism claims only particular things exist, universals are just names

Is–ought problem

Hume's guillotine: ethical conclusions can't follow from facts alone

utilitarianism's 'utility monster' problem is

Utility monster problem: One being's pleasure justifies others' suffering

Principle of sufficient reason

Every contingent fact has a sufficient reason

Emmanuel Levinas

Levinas argues that ethics precedes knowledge

Immanuel Kant

Kant separates duty from inclination to determine moral worth

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