An evaluative response, usually contrasted with simple belief by its more direct connection with motivation and behaviour. An attitude is a state whose essence is contentment or active discontent with some way the world is, rather than a simple cognition of the way the world is. Significant disputes arise when it is asked if some response, such as the evaluation of something as good or bad, is better seen as expressing attitude than belief. See emotivism, error theory, expressivism, quasi-realism.