Single Idea 4282

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / E. Utilitarianism / 1. Utilitarianism]

Full Idea

It is nearer the truth to see morality as setting the limits to practical reasoning, rather than being a species of it. Moral principles tell us precisely that we must go no further along the path of calculation.

Gist of Idea

Morality is not a sort of calculation, it is what sets the limits to when calculation is appropriate

Source

Roger Scruton (Animal Rights and Wrongs [1996], p.52)

Book Reference

Scruton,Roger: 'Animal Rights and Wrongs' [Demos 1996], p.52


A Reaction

Well said. If you are assessing whether an act of vicious brutality is required, you have probably already gone morally astray. It is not hard, though, to think of counterexamples, especially in wartime.