Unbelievable Errors defends an error theory about all normative judgements: not just moral judgements, but also judgements about reasons for action, judgements about reasons for belief, and instrumental normative judgements. This theory states that normative judgements are beliefs that ascribe normative properties, but that normative properties do not exist. It therefore entails that all normative judgements are false. Bart Streumer also argues, however, that we cannot believe this error theory. This may seem to be a problem for the theory. But he argues that it makes this error theory more likely to be true, since it undermines objections to the theory and it makes it harder to reject the arguments for the theory. He then sketches how certain other philosophical theories can be defended in a similar way. He concludes that to make philosophical progress, we need to make a sharp distinction between a theory's truth and our ability to believe it.

About the Author
Bart Streumer is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Groningen. He previously taught at the University of Reading. His work on metaethics has appeared in the Journal of Philosophy, Philosophical Studies, and the Australasian Journal of Philosophy.

Reviews
Bart Streumer's Unbelievable Errors is an outstanding defense of the error theory - the theory that all normative judgments are false. It is exceptionally well written and thorough and breaks new ground in its argument that our inability to believe the error theory makes the theory more likely to be true. Those interested in the error theory and metanormative debate more generally cannot afford to miss this book. * St. John Lambert, Ethics *
Bart Streumer's book, Unbelievable Errors, is jampacked with arguments and careful engagement with the philosophical literature at every turn. There is a great deal to be learned from it, both about its subject matter and about the philosophical virtues of both tenacity and care. * Mark Schroeder, International Journal for the Study of Skepticism *
Unbelievable Errors is an admirably clear, detailed, and powerful defence of a bold position. I recommend it highly. * Stephen Ingram, Australasian Journal of Philosophy *
Unbelievable Errors as a whole is a fascinating and carefully executed attempt to settle a classic dispute in metaethics by embracing a radical theoretical package. ... It is just as rich in interesting arguments against opposing views as in those for the error theory and its unbelievability. Throughout, Streumer does an admirable job of combining clarity and conciseness. * Conrad Bakka, Journal of Moral Philosophy *
Bart Streumer's fine book ... is full of valuable insights. * Frank Jackson, International Journal for the Study of Skepticism *
Streumer flips the incredulity that many of us are likely to experience in response to his arguments on its head. He argues that such incredulity is exactly what we should expect if his error theory were true. Philosophical gems like this move can be found throughout the book. It's bold stuff that will have philosophers talking. * N.G. Laskowski, Analysis *
Bertrand Russell wrote that the point of philosophy is to start with something so simple as not to be worth stating only to end up with something so paradoxical that no one will believe it. In his aptly named Unbelievable Errors, Bart Streumer has produced an exemplary case of philosophy so described. * Hallvard Lillehammer, Ethical Theory and Moral Practice *



Book Information
ISBN 9780198785897
Author Bart Streumer
Format Hardback
Page Count 242
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Dimensions(mm) 222mm * 143mm * 20mm