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Full Idea
While one can determine from the concept of morality that there is an objection to murder one cannot determine completely what will count as murder.
Gist of Idea
Morality shows murder is wrong, but not what counts as a murder
Source
Philippa Foot (Morality and Art [1972], p.7)
Book Ref
Foot,Philippa: 'Moral Dilemmas' [OUP 2002], p.7
A Reaction
She then refers to abortion, but there are military and criminal problem cases, and killings by neglect or side effect.
Related Idea
Idea 22446 In the case of something lacking independence, calling it a human being is a matter of choice [Foot]
| 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] |