Single Idea 23745

[catalogued under 20. Action / C. Motives for Action / 3. Acting on Reason / a. Practical reason]

Full Idea

We cannot expect that, even under conditions of full rationality, agents would all converge on the same desires about what is to be done in the various circumstances they might face.

Gist of Idea

We cannot expect even fully rational people to converge on having the same desires for action

Source

Michael Smith (The Moral Problem [1994], 5.9)

Book Reference

Smith,Michael: 'The Moral Problem' [Blackwell 1994], p.165


A Reaction

A very good argument in favour of the Humean view that desires are an essential part of moral motivation. Possible convergence of view is a standard hallmark of communal rationality.

Related Idea

Idea 17213 In so far as men live according to reason, they will agree with one another [Spinoza]