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Passage: Quasi-realism is a metaethical theory that attempts to have the best of both worlds: it acknowledges that moral language is fundamentally a projection of our attitudes (anti-realism), but it explains why we are still justified in speaking and reasoning as if moral facts were objective (realism). We 'earn the right' to use terms like 'truth' and 'fact' in ethics because these terms serve an important function in coordinating our social lives. For the quasi-realist, 'it is a fact that murder is wrong' is just a sophisticated way of expressing a very strong, stable social commitment. Critics argue this is a 'philosophical shell game.' If there are no real moral facts, then using the language of facts is inherently deceptive. The quasi-realist, they claim, is like someone who denies the existence of ghosts but insists on using a 'ghost-detector' to decide where to build houses. Based on the passage, the 'ghost-detector' analogy is used to: Suggest that quasi-realism is a form of superstitious belief that lacks a scientific basis. Mock the idea that moral language can have any useful social function if it isn't true. Argue that quasi-realists are inconsistent for using a language that implies a reality they deny. Show that quasi-realism is more practical than traditional forms of moral skepticism.

  1. Mock the idea that moral language can serve a useful social function if it isn't literally true.
  2. Show that quasi-realism is more practical than rival traditional forms of moral skepticism.
  3. Argue that quasi-realists are inconsistent for using a language that implies a reality they deny.
  4. Suggest that quasi-realism is merely a form of superstitious belief lacking genuine scientific grounding.

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