Single Idea 5939

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 1. Goodness / e. Good as knowledge]

Full Idea

The doctrine that morality is entirely social, that all duty consists in promoting the good of others, seems to me profound mistake; intellectual integrity, the love of truth for its own sake, is among the most salient elements in a good moral character.

Gist of Idea

Morality is not entirely social; a good moral character should love truth

Source

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

Book Reference

Ross,W.David: 'The Right and the Good' [OUP 1930], p.153


A Reaction

The objection to this might be than an ideal love of truth is a social virtue, because it produces reliable and useful citizens. Would it be immoral for Robinson Crusoe to live by fictions, instead of facing the depressing truth?