Single Idea 20153

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 1. Nature of Value / f. Ultimate value]

Full Idea

Doing the unthinkable causes deep, often irreparable, damage to our sense of ourselves. ...That is why the unthinkable indicates a more basic commitment than what we have to any value.

Gist of Idea

Doing the unthinkable damages ourselves, so it is more basic than any value

Source

John Kekes (The Human Condition [2010], 03.3)

Book Reference

Kekes,John: 'The Human Condition' [OUP 2010], p.61


A Reaction

Kekes makes the interesting claim that what is unthinkable is so basic that it doesn't even count as a value - it is more like a fact of your own nature, which is prior to your values. Not sure about that.

Related Idea

Idea 64 There is no right time or place or way or person for the committing of adultery; it is just wrong [Aristotle]