Single Idea 5929

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 3. Pleasure / c. Value of pleasure]

Full Idea

If anyone thinks pleasure alone is the good, it seems to me enough to ask whether, of two states of the universe holding equal amounts of pleasure, we should really think no better of one in with virtuous dispositions and actions than of its opposite.

Gist of Idea

No one thinks it doesn't matter whether pleasure is virtuously or viciously acquired

Source

W. David Ross (The Right and the Good [1930], §V)

Book Reference

Ross,W.David: 'The Right and the Good' [OUP 1930], p.134


A Reaction

An important technique of argument, analagous to scientific experiment. Hold the variable which is considered to be uniquely vital constant, and see if anyone cares if some other variable changes. It is a good argument.