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Single Idea 3282

[filed under theme 23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 3. Universalisability ]

Full Idea

I believe the general form of moral reasoning is to put yourself in other people's shoes.

Gist of Idea

The general form of moral reasoning is putting yourself in other people's shoes

Source

Thomas Nagel (Equality [1977], §9)

Book Ref

Nagel,Thomas: 'Mortal Questions' [CUP 1981], p.126


The 8 ideas from 'Equality'

Equality nowadays is seen as political, social, legal and economic [Nagel]
Equality was once opposed to aristocracy, but now it opposes public utility and individual rights [Nagel]
Equality can either be defended as good for society, or as good for individual rights [Nagel]
A morality of rights is very minimal, leaving a lot of human life without restrictions or duties [Nagel]
In judging disputes, should we use one standard, or those of each individual? [Nagel]
An egalitarian system must give priority to those with the worst prospects in life [Nagel]
The ideal of acceptability to each individual underlies the appeal to equality [Nagel]
The general form of moral reasoning is putting yourself in other people's shoes [Nagel]