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Full Idea
It is necessary to consider what things are such that, if they existed by themselves, in absolute isolation, we should yet judge their existence to be good.
Gist of Idea
We should ask what we would judge to be good if it existed in absolute isolation
Source
G.E. Moore (Principia Ethica [1903], §112)
Book Ref
Moore,G.E.: 'Principia Ethica' [CUP 1980], p.187
A Reaction
This is known as the 'isolation test'. The test has an instant appeal, but looks a bit odd after a little thought. The value of most things drains out of them if they are totally isolated. The MS of the Goldberg Variations floating in outer space?