Single Idea 5855

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / j. Ethics by convention]

Full Idea

There is something of which we all have an inkling, being a naturally universal right and wrong, even if there should be no community between the parties or contract.

Gist of Idea

We all feel universal right and wrong, independent of any community or contracts

Source

Aristotle (The Art of Rhetoric [c.350 BCE], 1373b)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'The Art of Rhetoric', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,H.C. [Penguin 1991], p.125


A Reaction

This is the strongest assertion I know of in Aristotle of an absolute moral standard, independent of natural function. It makes Aristotle an intuitionist, and is strikingly opposed to contracts as the most basic aspect of morality.