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Single Idea 4578

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

Full Idea

In many writers I find that instead of the usual propositions 'is' and 'is not', I then find no proposition that is not connected with an 'ought' or an 'ought not'. It is necessary that a reason be given for how one can be a deduction from the other.

Gist of Idea

You can't move from 'is' to 'ought' without giving some explanation or reason for the deduction

Source

David Hume (Treatise of Human Nature [1739], III.1.1)

Book Reference

Hume,David: 'A Treatise of Human Nature', ed/tr. Mossner,Ernest C. [Penguin 1969], p.521


A Reaction

A huge claim, the basis of the value-free modern scientific world view. Possible escapes are Greek virtue theory, or Kantian principles, or some sort of a priori values (as in Charles Taylor).