Business as Usual? The Error Theory, Internalism, and the Function of Morality

Abstract

This chapter raises a problem for a certain brand of moral error theory, the “business as usual” error theory advocated by John L. Mackie (amongst others). I argue that this position is incoherent, for the practices that sustain our use of moral concepts depend on it being widely believed that there are necessary rational connections between moral judgments and motivation – connections of precisely the sort in which Mackie recommends we cease to believe. Nor is it possible for us to banish moral concepts from our thoughts and behavior. How then can we live in good faith, if (as many of us believe) internalism is in fact false? I conclude by outlining the possibilities that remain.