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Full Idea
Philosophers examine the precepts of ethical systems with reference to their consequences and not their origins.
Gist of Idea
Philosophers study the consequences of ethics instead of its origins
Source
Edmund O. Wilson (On Human Nature [1978], Ch.1)
Book Ref
Wilson,Edward O.: 'On Human Nature' [Penguin 1995], p.5
A Reaction
He is interested in biological origins, but it strikes me that every moral theory has some account of the origins of morality, be it pure reason, or the love of pleasure, or human nature, or eternal ideas, or the will of God, or selfish desires.