Speech and Morality: On the Metaethical Implications of Speaking

Rather often realists have assumed that theirs is the default metaethical position, proceeding as if their primary task is to engage in defensive maneuvers designed to protect their view from objections.

moral realists are frequently accused of accepting a position that is purely defensive in nature.

On the assumption that agents perform speech acts, it follows that moral facts, realistically understood, exist.