Action Quote by Alasdair MacIntyre
“Those emotive theorists who said that the function of moral utterance was to evince emotion would... have been correct if they had substituted the indefinite for the definite article.”
About This Quote
Moral language aims to evoke emotion, but precise wording matters; using indefinite articles weakens the intended moral force.
In simple terms: Moral speech should be precise, not vague.
Key Takeaway
Use clear, definite language when expressing moral judgments.
Themes
moral philosophy
language
communication
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- ethical debates
- teaching morality
Key Concepts
ethics
linguistics
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What words best convey moral urgency?
- How does language shape moral perception?
A Different Perspective
Overly abstract language can dilute moral impact.
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