Single Idea 4114

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 1. Nature of Ethics / d. Ethical theory]

Full Idea

If there is a truth about the subject matter of ethics, why should it be simple? ..I shall argue that philosophy should not try to produce ethical theories.

Gist of Idea

Philosophers try to produce ethical theories because they falsely assume that ethics can be simple

Source

Bernard Williams (Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy [1985], Ch. 1)

Book Reference

Williams,Bernard: 'Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy' [Fontana 1985], p.17


A Reaction

Bizarrely defeatist - in parallel with Mysterians about the mind like McGinn. Is there any point in thinking at all? I suggest the aim of life as the best starting point.