Single Idea 21379

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / e. Human nature]

Full Idea

Man's three fundamental ethical incentives, egoism, malice and compassion, are present in everyone in different and incredibly unequal proportions. In accordance with them, motives will operate on man and actions will ensue.

Gist of Idea

Man's three basic ethical incentives are egoism, malice and compassion

Source

Arthur Schopenhauer (On the Basis of Morality [1841], p.192), quoted by Christopher Janaway - Schopenhauer 7 'Egoism'

Book Reference

Janaway,Christopher: 'Schopenhauer' [OUP 2002], p.98


A Reaction

A well chosen trio. Kant would be shocked that he has left out duty, which is supposed to rise above such feelings.