Single Idea 4019

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / A. Egoism / 2. Hedonism]

Full Idea

Things then are good and evil only in reference to pleasure and pain.

Gist of Idea

Things are good and evil only in reference to pleasure and pain

Source

John Locke (Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed) [1694], 2.20.02)

Book Reference

Locke,John: 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding', ed/tr. Nidditch,P.H. [OUP 1979], p.229


A Reaction

This is presumably the seeds of utilitarianism, and is evidently at the core of empiricism. In "Gorgias" Socrates explained why it is wrong.