more on this theme
|
more from this thinker
Single Idea 6700
[filed under theme 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 1. Goodness / i. Moral luck
]
Full Idea
It is unreasonable to say that people have acted badly because of consequences which were not merely unforeseen but unforeseeable.
Gist of Idea
We can't criticise people because of unforeseeable consequences
Source
Gordon Graham (Eight Theories of Ethics [2004], Ch.7)
Book Ref
Graham,Gordon: 'Eight Theories of Ethics' [Routledge 2004], p.143
A Reaction
Interesting, and it sounds right. A key question in moral philosophy is how much effort people should make to assess the consequences of their actions. We must surely absolve them of the truly 'unforeseeable' consequence.
The
14 ideas
from 'Eight Theories of Ethics'
6685
|
'Subjectivism' is an extension of relativism from the social group to the individual
[Graham]
|
6691
|
It is more plausible to say people can choose between values, than that they can create them
[Graham]
|
6688
|
Life is only absurd if you expected an explanation and none turns up
[Graham]
|
6690
|
A standard problem for existentialism is the 'sincere Nazi'
[Graham]
|
6689
|
The key to existentialism: the way you make choices is more important than what you choose
[Graham]
|
6693
|
'What if everybody did that?' rather misses the point as an objection to cheating
[Graham]
|
6700
|
We can't criticise people because of unforeseeable consequences
[Graham]
|
6701
|
Rescue operations need spontaneous benevolence, not careful thought
[Graham]
|
6699
|
The chain of consequences may not be the same as the chain of responsibility
[Graham]
|
6698
|
Negative consequences are very hard (and possibly impossible) to assess
[Graham]
|
6704
|
Egoism submits to desires, but cannot help form them
[Graham]
|
6705
|
Existentialism may transcend our nature, unlike eudaimonism
[Graham]
|
6706
|
The great religions are much more concerned with the religious life than with ethics
[Graham]
|
6709
|
Western religion saves us from death; Eastern religion saves us from immortality
[Graham]
|