Single Idea 5918

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 1. Nature of Value / c. Objective value]

Full Idea

By calling a thing intrinsically good we mean that it would be good even if nothing else existed.

Gist of Idea

The thing is intrinsically good if it would be good when nothing else existed

Source

W. David Ross (The Right and the Good [1930], §IV)

Book Reference

Ross,W.David: 'The Right and the Good' [OUP 1930], p.75


A Reaction

This dramatic image (the Mona Lisa alone in vacancy) raises grave doubts about whether there is very much that could qualify for 'intrinsic value'. I even doubt the value of the MS of the Goldberg Variations, if nothing else exists.