Single Idea 6446

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 3. Universalisability]

Full Idea

In pursuit of the kind of objectivity needed in the physical sciences, we abstract even from our humanity; but nothing further than abstraction from our identity (that is, who we are) enters into ethical theory.

Gist of Idea

In ethics we abstract from our identity, but not from our humanity

Source

Thomas Nagel (Equality and Partiality [1991], Ch.2)

Book Reference

Nagel,Thomas: 'Equality and Partiality' [OUP 1995], p.10


A Reaction

The 'brief' summary of this boils down to a nice and interesting slogan. It epitomises the modern Kantian approach to ethics. But compare Idea 4122, from Bernard Williams.

Related Idea

Idea 4122 If the self becomes completely impartial, it no longer has enough identity to worry about its interests [Williams,B]