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Single Idea 18682
[filed under theme 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 1. Nature of Value / a. Nature of value
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Full Idea
The whole 'being pleased by cats being tortured' is definitely not better, and is likely worse, than cats being tortured. So its value cannot result from a sum of the intrinsic values of the parts.
Gist of Idea
A complex value is not just the sum of the values of the parts
Source
Francesco Orsi (Value Theory [2015], 5.3)
Book Ref
Orsi,Francesco: 'Value Theory' [Bloomsbury 2015], p.86
A Reaction
This example is simplistic. It isn't a matter of just adding 'pleased' and 'tortured'. 'Pleased' doesn't have a standalone value. Only a rather gormless utilitarian would think it was always good if someone was pleased. I suspect values don't sum at all.
The
14 ideas
from 'Value Theory'
18666
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Value-maker concepts (such as courageous or elegant) simultaneously describe and evaluate
[Orsi]
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18667
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The '-able' concepts (like enviable) say this thing deserves a particular response
[Orsi]
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18672
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Values from reasons has the 'wrong kind of reason' problem - admiration arising from fear
[Orsi]
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18668
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Truths about value entail normative truths about actions or attitudes
[Orsi]
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18670
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The Buck-Passing view of normative values says other properties are reasons for the value
[Orsi]
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18669
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Values can be normative in the Fitting Attitude account, where 'good' means fitting favouring
[Orsi]
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18677
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A thing may have final value, which is still derived from other values, or from relations
[Orsi]
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18680
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To avoid misunderstandings supervenience is often expressed negatively: no A-change without B-change
[Orsi]
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18679
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Things are only valuable if something makes it valuable, and we can ask for the reason
[Orsi]
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18682
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A complex value is not just the sum of the values of the parts
[Orsi]
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18683
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Trichotomy Thesis: comparable values must be better, worse or the same
[Orsi]
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18684
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Rather than requiring an action, a reason may 'entice' us, or be 'eligible', or 'justify' it
[Orsi]
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18685
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Final value is favoured for its own sake, and personal value for someone's sake
[Orsi]
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18686
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The Fitting Attitude view says values are fitting or reasonable, and values are just byproducts
[Orsi]
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