Norms are concepts (
sentences) of practical import, oriented to effecting an action, rather than conceptual abstractions that describe, explain, and express. Normative sentences imply "ought-to" types of statements and assertions, in distinction to sentences that provide "is" types of statements and assertions. Common normative sentences include
commands, permissions, and prohibitions; common normative abstract concepts include
sincerity,
justification, and
honesty. A popular account of norms describes them as
reasons to take
action, to
believe, and to
feel.
