Single Idea 19407

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 1. Deontology]

Full Idea

The true practical philosophy consists in good rules for education, intercourse and sociability among men, rather than in general precepts on virtues and duties.

Gist of Idea

We want good education and sociability, rather than lots of moral precepts

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (Letters to Bouvet [1697], p.165)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Leibniz Selections', ed/tr. Wiener,Philip P. [Scribners 1951], p.105


A Reaction

I would interpret that as saying that the main aim of morality is to enable people to hold a good conversation. I've heard worse theories of morality. The remark shows why Leibniz has little to say explicitly about morality.