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Single Idea 6239

[filed under theme 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / c. Ethical intuitionism ]

Full Idea

Let us consider if a traitor, who would sell his own country to us, may not often be as advantageous to us, as an hero who defends us: and yet we can love the treason, and hate the traitor.

Gist of Idea

We dislike a traitor, even if they give us great benefit

Source

Francis Hutcheson (Treatise 2: Virtue or Moral Good [1725], §I.VI)

Book Ref

'British Moralists 1650-1800 Vol. 1', ed/tr. Raphael,D.D. [Hackett 1991], p.267

A Reaction

A nice example, which certainly refutes any claim that morality is entirely and directly self-interested. High-minded idealism, though, is not the only alternative explanation. We admire loyalty, but not loyalty to, say, Hitler.

The 14 ideas from 'Treatise 2: Virtue or Moral Good'

6238 We approve of actions by a superior moral sense [Hutcheson]
6239 We dislike a traitor, even if they give us great benefit [Hutcheson]
6240 The moral sense is not an innate idea, but an ability to approve or disapprove in a disinterested way [Hutcheson]
6241 Contempt of danger is just madness if it is not in some worthy cause [Hutcheson]
6242 We cannot choose our moral feelings, otherwise bribery could affect them [Hutcheson]
6243 As death approaches, why do we still care about family, friends or country? [Hutcheson]
6244 Human nature seems incapable of universal malice, except what results from self-love [Hutcheson]
6245 That action is best, which procures the greatest happiness for the greatest number [Hutcheson]
6246 My action is not made good by a good effect, if I did not foresee and intend it [Hutcheson]
6247 Everyone feels uneasy when seeing others in pain, unless the others are evil [Hutcheson]
6248 Reason is too slow and doubtful to guide all actions, which need external and moral senses [Hutcheson]
6250 We say God is good if we think everything he does aims at the happiness of his creatures [Hutcheson]
6249 If goodness is constituted by God's will, it is a tautology to say God's will is good [Hutcheson]
6251 The loss of perfect rights causes misery, but the loss of imperfect rights reduces social good [Hutcheson]