Cognitivism
What Cognitivism means in Philosophy A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Cognitivism
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Cognitivism in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
The view that religious utterances express beliefs and therefore make truth-claims, purporting to describe reality and being capable of truth or falsehood.
The view that moral judgements express beliefs and can be true or false, which moral non-naturalism accepts.
The view that moral statements express beliefs and so can be true or false, and moral knowledge is possible.
Topics that use Cognitivism
- Meta-ethics (AQA A-Level)
- Religious language (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Non-cognitivism
- Argument from queerness
- Argument from relativity
- Belief versus desire/passion
- Cognitivism and truth-aptness
- Contrast between verification and falsification
- Descriptive versus normative language
- Emotion and attitudes as a source of moral principles
Using Cognitivism in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Philosophy questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge