Single Idea 22119

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 2. Duty]

Full Idea

Augustine insisted that 'ought' does not, in any straightforward way, imply 'can' - which distinguishes him from most modern ethicists.

Gist of Idea

Augustine said (unusually) that 'ought' does not imply 'can'

Source

report of Augustine (works [c.415]) by Gareth B. Matthews - Augustine p.74

Book Reference

'Shorter Routledge Encyclopaedia of Philosophy', ed/tr. Craig,Edward [Routledge 2005], p.74


A Reaction

Not unreasonable. I ought to help my ailing friend who lives abroad, but I haven't the time or money to do it. We can experience impossibilities as duties. Impossibilities are just excuses. Augustine is opposing the Pelagian heresy.