Single Idea 22591

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / C. Capacities of Minds / 6. Idealisation]

Full Idea

We know of perfection as we look upon what is imperfect.

Gist of Idea

We know perfection when we see what is imperfect

Source

Iris Murdoch (Metaphysics as a Guide to Morals [1992], 13)

Book Reference

Epicurus: 'The Epicurus Reader', ed/tr. Inwood,B. /Gerson,L. [Hackett 1994], p.427


A Reaction

This is in the context of a discussion of the ontological argument for God's existence, but I seize on it as a nice expression of the idealisation capacity of our minds. The alternative is that perfection is innate idea, since we aren't seeing it.