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Single Idea 22376

[from 'Moral Arguments' by Philippa Foot, in 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 1. Nature of Value / b. Fact and value ]

Full Idea

To show that facts and values are connected we must show that some things do and some things don't count in favour of a moral conclusion, and that no one can choose what counts as evidence for rightness or wrongness.

Gist of Idea

Facts and values are connected if we cannot choose what counts as evidence of rightness

Source

Philippa Foot (Moral Arguments [1958], p.99)

Book Reference

Foot,Philippa: 'Virtues and Vices' [Blackwell 1981], p.99


A Reaction

But what sort of facts might do the job? I can only think of right functioning and health as facts which seem to imply value. Pleasure and misery don't quite get there.

Related Idea

Idea 22377 Whether someone is rude is judged by agreed criteria, so the facts dictate the value [Foot]