Single Idea 22395

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

Full Idea

Moral judgements are hypothetical imperatives in the sense that they give reasons for acting only in conjunction with interests and desires.

Gist of Idea

Moral judgements are hypothetical, because they depend on interests and desires

Source

Philippa Foot (Reply to Professor Frankena [1975], p.177)

Book Reference

Foot,Philippa: 'Virtues and Vices' [Blackwell 1981], p.177


A Reaction

This is a splendid claim, which points to a more sensibly naturalistic ethics. There seem to be occasions for moral behaviour where I have no interests or desires, such as when a stranger asks me for a favour and I'm feeling tired.

Related Idea

Idea 22389 Morality no more consists of categorical imperatives than etiquette does [Foot]