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Single Idea 18676
[filed under theme 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 1. Nature of Value / c. Objective value
]
Full Idea
It is necessary to consider what things are such that, if they existed by themselves, in absolute isolation, we should yet judge their existence to be good.
Gist of Idea
We should ask what we would judge to be good if it existed in absolute isolation
Source
G.E. Moore (Principia Ethica [1903], §112)
Book Ref
Moore,G.E.: 'Principia Ethica' [CUP 1980], p.187
A Reaction
This is known as the 'isolation test'. The test has an instant appeal, but looks a bit odd after a little thought. The value of most things drains out of them if they are totally isolated. The MS of the Goldberg Variations floating in outer space?
The
14 ideas
from 'Principia Ethica'
5925
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The three main values are good, right and beauty
[Moore,GE, by Ross]
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5902
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For Moore, 'right' is what produces good
[Moore,GE, by Ross]
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8039
|
Moore tries to show that 'good' is indefinable, but doesn't understand what a definition is
[MacIntyre on Moore,GE]
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22151
|
The Open Question argument leads to anti-realism and the fact-value distinction
[Boulter on Moore,GE]
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8033
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Moore cannot show why something being good gives us a reason for action
[MacIntyre on Moore,GE]
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8032
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Can learning to recognise a good friend help us to recognise a good watch?
[MacIntyre on Moore,GE]
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11050
|
Moore's combination of antinaturalism with strong supervenience on the natural is incoherent
[Hanna on Moore,GE]
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23726
|
Despite Moore's caution, non-naturalists incline towards intuitionism
[Moore,GE, by Smith,M]
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5907
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Relationships imply duties to people, not merely the obligation to benefit them
[Ross on Moore,GE]
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11057
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It is always an open question whether anything that is natural is good
[Moore,GE]
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11056
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The naturalistic fallacy claims that natural qualties can define 'good'
[Moore,GE]
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5903
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'Right' means 'cause of good result' (hence 'useful'), so the end does justify the means
[Moore,GE]
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18676
|
We should ask what we would judge to be good if it existed in absolute isolation
[Moore,GE]
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21233
|
The beautiful is whatever it is intrinsically good to admire
[Moore,GE]
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