The Language of Morals (book by J.L. Austin)

"The Language of Morals" by J.L. Austin explores how moral concepts and judgments are expressed through language. Austin examines how words like "good," "bad," "right," and "wrong" function in everyday speech, questioning whether they describe facts or express attitudes. He introduces the idea that moral language often involves performative acts—where saying something is also doing something, like giving a promise or issuing a command—rather than merely describing reality. The book aims to clarify how moral discussions work and how language shapes our understanding of ethical issues, blending philosophy, linguistics, and moral thought.