more from Roger Scruton

Single Idea 4290

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 2. Duty]

Full Idea

That which can only be done by a callous person, ought not to be done.

Gist of Idea

That which can only be done by a callous person, ought not to be done

Source

Roger Scruton (Animal Rights and Wrongs [1996], p.86)

Book Reference

Scruton,Roger: 'Animal Rights and Wrongs' [Demos 1996], p.86


A Reaction

The problem cases all arise in wartime. Ideally we want to show sympathy even when being necessarily ruthless, but in practice we send the callous ones to do the horrible deed.