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Full Idea
In saying that Brutus or Raskolnikov acted rightly, I am giving myself and others leave to imitate them should similar circumstances arise.
Clarification
Brutus murdered Julius Caesar; Raskolnikov is a fictional murderer in 'Crime and Punishment'
Gist of Idea
Approval of historical or fictional murders gives us leave to imitate them
Source
A.J. Ayer (On the analysis of moral judgements [1949], p.237)
Book Ref
Ayer,A.J.: 'Philosophical Essays' [Macmillan 1965], p.237
A Reaction
This seems to be a reply to the Frege-Geach Problem, of why we have emotional attitudes to crimes that mean nothing to us. Such crimes, however, involve our virtues, and don't depend on awaiting 'similar circumstances'.
Related Idea
Idea 7333 The Frege-Geach problem is that I can discuss the wrongness of murder without disapproval [Miller,A]
| 6973 | Moral theories are all meta-ethical, and are neutral as regards actual conduct [Ayer] |
| 6968 | Some people think there are ethical facts, but of a 'queer' sort [Ayer] |
| 6969 | Approval of historical or fictional murders gives us leave to imitate them [Ayer] |
| 6970 | Moral judgements are not expressions, but are elements in a behaviour pattern [Ayer] |
| 6971 | I would describe intuitions of good as feelings of approval [Ayer] |
| 6972 | A right attitude is just an attitude one is prepared to stand by [Ayer] |
| 6974 | Moral judgements cannot be the logical consequence of a moral philosophy [Ayer] |