manolo wrote:
SM,
Emotivism is a philosophical term, rather than a sociological one. The idea is about examining one's own conscience. It is a kind of Cartesian analysis, requiring us to pare down to a basic experience. It is a subjective theory, relying on a reduction, such as 'I like sugar' works in perception.
For example, on the 'death sentence' issue we hear all kinds of arguments for and against. The emotivist will claim that differing arguments tend to be chosen by folks who already prefer a death penalty or don't prefer a death penalty.
Regarding cultural schools of thought, emotivism is a good test of our honesty with ourselves. For example, I believe that abortion is wrong, and having listened to all the arguments this way and that I still believe that abortion is wrong. I don't have an argument to justify that belief, I just feel it in my waters, so to speak. That's emotive.
Alex.
Alex,
That is pretty easy to agree with, almost self-evident. There are many issues in which "right" or "wrong" are impossible to "prove." The very definition of those three terms are subjective. Therefore, most if not all humans will default to "according to my experience," or "according to my belief system" or "these are the sacrifices or costs I am willing to endure to live in consistent accordance with my ideals" as the final arbiter.
Why? Cause my ideals are right. Or, because I don't want to pay for the Ferrari.
Of course, this is all in reference to a single individual. When one tries to account for "the good of society," actual program costs & benefits, time frames, and who gives, who takes, and who gets to wield the weapons of enforcement to ensure compliance, it gets even more contentious.
One of the things I am constantly reminded of, by OTNOT posters, by the talking heads of the MSM, and by all who preach/proselytize/broadcast........is that IMSMO, the differing opinions are interesting, the banter and insults are amusing, but the endless parsing of who is the divine keeper who gets to define what the meaning of ______ is, gets tedious.
I think that is why all broadcasters and posters have a very limited shelf life, after a few months or years, the terminology in the chic lexicon needs to be changed.