Single Idea 5926

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 1. Nature of Ethics / e. Ethical cognitivism]

Full Idea

I cannot agree that a description of a patch of colour would be complete without the statement that it is beautiful (if that is so); for its beauty might be for some purposes the most important fact about it.

Gist of Idea

The beauty of a patch of colour might be the most important fact about it

Source

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

Book Reference

Ross,W.David: 'The Right and the Good' [OUP 1930], p.120


A Reaction

'Important' to whom. To me the most important fact about my pen might be that it is mine, but that doesn't seem to be a feature of an intrinsic description of the pen. If beauty is a relational quality, Ross's point is undermined.