Single Idea 4287

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

Full Idea

Utilitarian thinking does not replace or compete with the moral law, but guides us when the moral law is silent and only sympathy speaks.

Gist of Idea

Utilitarianism merely guides us (by means of sympathy) when the moral law is silent

Source

Roger Scruton (Animal Rights and Wrongs [1996], p.63)

Book Reference

Scruton,Roger: 'Animal Rights and Wrongs' [Demos 1996], p.63


A Reaction

If the moral law is silent, it is not quite clear why we should follow sympathy rather than contempt. There is the well-known danger here of the moral law turning out to lack content.