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Full Idea
According to consequentialism, the fundamental concept of morality is not obligation (deontological ethics) but value (axiological ethics).
Clarification
Gk. 'deontos', a duty; 'axios', value
Gist of Idea
Consequentialism emphasises value rather than obligation in morality
Source
Roger Scruton (A Dictionary of Political Thought [1982], 'consequentialism')
Book Ref
Scruton,Roger: 'A Dictionary of Political Thought' [Pan 1983], p.89
A Reaction
These two views could come dramatically apart, in wartime, or in big ecological crises, or in a family breakup, or in religious disputes. Having identified the pair so clearly, why can we not aim for a civilised (virtuous) balance between the two?
| 7587 | The issue of abortion seems insoluble, because there is nothing with which to compare it [Scruton] |
| 7588 | Allegiance is fundamental to the conservative view of society [Scruton] |
| 7589 | Altruism is either emotional (where your interests are mine) or moral (where they are reasons for me) [Scruton] |
| 7590 | Consequentialism emphasises value rather than obligation in morality [Scruton] |
| 7592 | For positivists law is a matter of form, for naturalists it is a matter of content [Scruton] |
| 7593 | Liberals focus on universal human freedom, natural rights, and tolerance [Scruton, by PG] |
| 7594 | Democrats are committed to a belief and to its opposite, if the majority prefer the latter [Scruton] |
| 7595 | The idea of a right seems fairly basic; justice may be the disposition to accord rights to people [Scruton] |