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Single Idea 23824

[filed under theme 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / e. Human nature ]

Full Idea

Any place where the needs of human beings are satisfied can be recognised by the fact that there is a flowering of fraternity, joy, beauty, and happiness.

Gist of Idea

Where human needs are satisfied we find happiness, friendship and beauty

Source

Simone Weil (Draft Statement of Human Obligations [1943], p.230)

Book Ref

Weil,Simone: 'An Anthology' [Penguin 1986], p.230


A Reaction

Weil writes a lengthy analysis of what she sees as the basic human needs, beyond the obvious food, water etc. An excellent place to start a line of political thought.


The 11 ideas from 'Draft Statement of Human Obligations'

Every human yearns for an unattainable transcendent good [Weil]
We cannot equally respect what is unequal, so equal respect needs a shared ground [Weil]
Attention to a transcendent reality motivates a duty to foster the good of humanity [Weil]
We need both equality (to attend to human needs) and hierarchy (as a scale of responsibilities) [Weil]
Deliberate public lying should be punished [Weil]
We have liberty in the space between nature and accepted authority [Weil]
Crime should be punished, to bring the perpetrator freely back to morality [Weil]
Life needs risks to avoid sickly boredom [Weil]
People need personal and collective property, and a social class lacking property is shameful [Weil]
We all need to partipate in public tasks, and take some initiative [Weil]
Where human needs are satisfied we find happiness, friendship and beauty [Weil]