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Single Idea 22444

[filed under theme 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 1. Nature of Ethics / c. Purpose of ethics ]

Full Idea

A moral system seems necessarily to be one aimed at removing particular dangers and securing certain benefits.

Gist of Idea

A moral system must deal with the dangers and benefits of life

Source

Philippa Foot (Morality and Art [1972], p.6)

Book Ref

Foot,Philippa: 'Moral Dilemmas' [OUP 2002], p.6

A Reaction

I thoroughly approve of this approach to morality, which anchors it in real life, rather than in ideals or principles of reason.

The 5 ideas from 'Morality and Art'

22448 We sometimes just use the word 'should' to impose a rule of conduct on someone [Foot]
22444 A moral system must deal with the dangers and benefits of life [Foot]
22446 In the case of something lacking independence, calling it a human being is a matter of choice [Foot]
22445 Morality shows murder is wrong, but not what counts as a murder [Foot]
22447 Saying something 'just is' right or wrong creates an illusion of fact and objectivity [Foot]