more from H.A. Prichard

Single Idea 9257

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 1. Virtue Theory / c. Particularism]

Full Idea

Owing to the complication of human relations, the problem of what one ought to do from the point of view of life as a whole is one of intense difficulty.

Gist of Idea

The complexities of life make it almost impossible to assess morality from a universal viewpoint

Source

H.A. Prichard (What is the Basis of Moral Obligation? [1925])

Book Reference

Prichard,H.A.: 'Moral Writings' [OUP 2002], p.6


A Reaction

I suspect that the difficulty is not the problems engendered by complexity, but that there is no answer available from the most objective point of view. Morality simply is a matter of how daily life is conducted, with medium-term goals only.