Single Idea 20175

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / b. Rational ethics]

Full Idea

The absurdity follows [from Kant's categorical imperative] that in the case of moral conflicts reason and morality require us to act irrationally and immorally.

Gist of Idea

If morality has to be rational, then moral conflicts need us to be irrational and immoral

Source

John Kekes (The Human Condition [2010], 10.4)

Book Reference

Kekes,John: 'The Human Condition' [OUP 2010], p.222


A Reaction

We can't pick one from two equals if we must have a reason for the preference, but that does not make it 'irrational' to choose one of them, when it doesn't matter which one is chosen. Taking one of the cheese sandwiches is not irrational.