Single Idea 18676

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

Full Idea

It is necessary to consider what things are such that, if they existed by themselves, in absolute isolation, we should yet judge their existence to be good.

Gist of Idea

We should ask what we would judge to be good if it existed in absolute isolation

Source

G.E. Moore (Principia Ethica [1903], §112)

Book Reference

Moore,G.E.: 'Principia Ethica' [CUP 1980], p.187


A Reaction

This is known as the 'isolation test'. The test has an instant appeal, but looks a bit odd after a little thought. The value of most things drains out of them if they are totally isolated. The MS of the Goldberg Variations floating in outer space?