Exploring the Influence of Richard Mervyn Hare on Contemporary Ethical Theory

Introduction

Richard Mervyn Hare (1919-2002) was a prominent British moral philosopher whose work significantly shaped contemporary ethical theory. Known for his development of prescriptivism—a meta-ethical theory that posits moral judgments as expressions of prescriptions or commands—Hare’s influence extends beyond his own writings to impact various fields, including applied ethics, moral psychology, and political philosophy. This report aims to explore the key aspects of Hare’s ethical theory, analyze its implications in today’s moral discourse, and assess how his ideas resonate with or challenge contemporary ethical frameworks.

Main Body

Hare’s prescriptivism is rooted in the idea that moral statements are not merely expressions of personal sentiment or subjective preference but rather prescriptive in nature. This distinction is crucial as it allows for a more universal application of moral judgments. According to Hare, when one asserts a moral proposition, such as “Stealing is wrong,” they are not just stating a personal opinion; they are prescribing a rule that they expect others to follow. This creates an inherent universality in moral discussions