Single Idea 6227

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 1. Nature of Value / c. Objective value]

Full Idea

To keep faith and perform covenants is that which natural justice obligeth to absolutely.

Gist of Idea

Keeping promises and contracts is an obligation of natural justice

Source

Ralph Cudworth (On Eternal and Immutable Morality [1688], Ch.II.4)

Book Reference

'British Moralists 1650-1800 Vol. 1', ed/tr. Raphael,D.D. [Hackett 1991], p.109


A Reaction

A nice example of an absolute moral intuition, but one which can clearly be challenged. Covenants (contracts) wouldn't work unless everyone showed intense commitment to keeping them, even beyond the grave, and we all benefit from good contracts.