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Single Idea 21740

[filed under theme 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 1. Nature of Ethics / d. Ethical theory ]

Full Idea

I hardly think myself that ethics ought to be included in the domain of philosophy.

Gist of Idea

I doubt whether ethics is part of philosophy

Source

Bertrand Russell (An Outline of Philosophy [1927], Ch.22)

Book Ref

Russell,Bertrand: 'An Outline of Philosophy' [Routledge 1979], p.180


A Reaction

He declines to give his reasons. The implication of the chapter is that ethics is essentially a social and political matter, so that individual ethical guidelines are unimportant. Maybe the woolliness of ethics was also an impediment.


The 9 ideas from 'An Outline of Philosophy'

We could be aware of time if senses briefly vibrated, extending their experience of movement [Russell, by Bardon]
Act so as to produce harmonious rather than discordant desires [Russell]
'You ought to do p' primarily has emotional content, expressing approval [Russell]
Unlike hate, all desires can be satisfied by love [Russell]
Goodness is a combination of love and knowledge [Russell]
In wartime, happiness is hating the enemy, because it gives the war a purpose [Russell]
Originally virtue was obedience, to gods, government, or custom [Russell]
Legally curbing people's desires is inferior to improving their desires [Russell]
I doubt whether ethics is part of philosophy [Russell]