Single Idea 21745

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 4. Categorical Imperative]

Full Idea

The supreme moral rule should be: Act so as to produce harmonious rather than discordant desires.

Gist of Idea

Act so as to produce harmonious rather than discordant desires

Source

Bertrand Russell (An Outline of Philosophy [1927], Ch 22)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'An Outline of Philosophy' [Routledge 1979], p.187


A Reaction

Russell makes no reference to Kant, but this is obviously intended to rebut the more rationalist Kantian view of what is imperative. The use of 'harmonious' chimes in best with Plato's account of the soul in 'Republic'.

Related Idea

Idea 2155 True goodness requires mental unity and harmony [Plato]