more from A.J. Ayer

Single Idea 6972

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 1. Nature of Ethics / b. Defining ethics]

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 Reference

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.