back to ideas for this text


Single Idea 3024

[from 'fragments/reports' by Aristippus the younger, in 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / j. Ethics by convention ]

Full Idea

The Cyrenaics taught that there was nothing naturally and intrinsically just, or honourable, or disgraceful; but that things were considered so because of law and fashion.

Clarification

'Law' is the Greek word 'nomos', which also translates as 'convention'

Gist of Idea

Cyrenaics teach that honour, justice and shame are all based on custom and fashion

Source

report of Aristippus the younger (fragments/reports [c.335 BCE]) by Diogenes Laertius - Lives of Eminent Philosophers 02.7.8

Book Reference

Diogenes Laertius: 'Diogenes Laertius', ed/tr. Yonge,C.D. [Henry G. Bohn 1853], p.91


A Reaction

As we would say now, values and virtues are 'cultural constructs'. This obviously contains a lot of truth, but I don't think our opposition of genocide is just 'fashion'.