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Single Idea 4008

[from 'Treatise of Human Nature' by David Hume, in 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 1. Nature of Value / b. Fact and value ]

Full Idea

From our modern perspective, the Platonic synthesis of scientific explanation and moral insight lies irrecoverably shattered by the rise of natural science.

Gist of Idea

Modern science has destroyed the Platonic synthesis of scientific explanation and morality

Source

report of David Hume (Treatise of Human Nature [1739]) by Charles Taylor - Sources of the Self §3.2

Book Reference

Taylor,Charles: 'Sources of the Self' [CUP 1992], p.73


A Reaction

Modern attempts to challenge Hume's separation of fact from value have failed, but a return to the Greek perspective presents a plausible alternative.