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Full Idea
No decision can be in accord with right reason unless all can agree on it.
Gist of Idea
If a decision is in accord with right reason, everyone can agree with it
Source
Richard Cumberland (De Legibus Naturae [1672], Ch.V.XLVI)
Book Ref
'British Moralists 1650-1800 Vol. 1', ed/tr. Raphael,D.D. [Hackett 1991], p.102
A Reaction
Personally I think anyone who disagrees with this should get out of philosophy (and into sociology, fantasy fiction, ironic game-playing, crime…). Of course 'can' agree is not the same as 'will' agree. You must have faith that good reasons are persuasive.
| 6217 | Natural law is supplied to the human mind by reality and human nature [Cumberland] |
| 6216 | Natural law is immutable truth giving moral truths and duties independent of society [Cumberland] |
| 6218 | The happiness of individuals is linked to the happiness of everyone (which is individuals taken together) [Cumberland] |
| 6220 | The happiness of all contains the happiness of each, and promotes it [Cumberland] |
| 6222 | If a decision is in accord with right reason, everyone can agree with it [Cumberland] |
| 6221 | If there are different ultimate goods, there will be conflicting good actions, which is impossible [Cumberland] |