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Full Idea
Asking whether the attitude that one has adopted is the right attitude comes down to asking whether one is prepared to stand by it.
Gist of Idea
A right attitude is just an attitude one is prepared to stand by
Source
A.J. Ayer (On the analysis of moral judgements [1949], p.244)
Book Ref
Ayer,A.J.: 'Philosophical Essays' [Macmillan 1965], p.244
A Reaction
I would have thought that someone who persisted in being ruthlessly selfish might nevertheless distinguish their behaviour from the grudging concession that the 'right' thing to do might be quite different.
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] |