Single Idea 6243

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / i. Self-interest]

Full Idea

How comes it that we do not lose, at the approach of death, all concern for our families, friends, or country?

Gist of Idea

As death approaches, why do we still care about family, friends or country?

Source

Francis Hutcheson (Treatise 2: Virtue or Moral Good [1725], §II.V)

Book Reference

'British Moralists 1650-1800 Vol. 1', ed/tr. Raphael,D.D. [Hackett 1991], p.277


A Reaction

A nice question. No doubt some people do cease to care, but on the whole it raises the 'last round' problem in social contract theory, which is why fulfil your part of a bargain if it is too late to receive the repayment afterwards?