Single Idea 21749

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

Full Idea

Altruistic values attach to satisfactions of other persons, without regard to ulterior satisfactions accruing to oneself. Ceremonial values attach to practices of one's society, without regard to satisfactions accruing to oneself.

Gist of Idea

Altruistic values concern other persons, and ceremonial values concern practices

Source

Willard Quine (On the Nature of Moral Values [1978], p.58)

Book Reference

Quine,Willard: 'Theories and Things' [Harvard 1981], p.58


A Reaction

An interesting distinction, but probably as blurred and circular as (according to Quine) the analytic/synthetic distinction.