R. M. Hare, or Richard Mervyn Hare, was a British philosopher known for his work in moral philosophy and ethics. Born in 1919, he became a prominent figure in the field, particularly for his development of prescriptivism, a theory that suggests moral statements express prescriptions rather than mere descriptions. Hare's influential books, such as The Language of Morals and Moral Thinking, explore the nature of ethical language and reasoning. Hare was also a professor at Oxford University, where he taught for many years. His ideas contributed significantly to the understanding of utilitarianism and the role of moral reasoning in ethical decision-making. Hare's work continues to be studied and debated in contemporary philosophy.