Single Idea 3767

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 1. Goodness / g. Consequentialism]

Full Idea

The motive has nothing to do with the morality of the action, though much with the worth of the agent.

Gist of Idea

Motive shows the worth of the agent, but not of the action

Source

John Stuart Mill (Utilitarianism [1861], Ch.2)

Book Reference

Mill,John Stuart: 'Utilitarianism (including On Liberty etc)', ed/tr. Warnock,Mary [Fontana 1962], p.270


A Reaction

I think it is an error to try to separate these too sharply. Morality can't be purely consequential, because it would make earthquakes immoral. Actions indicate the worth of agents.