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Single Idea 8067

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

Full Idea

Hume's objection to passing from 'is' to 'ought' would equally apply to passing from 'is' to 'owes' or from 'is' to 'needs'.

Gist of Idea

The problem of getting to 'ought' from 'is' would also apply in getting to 'owes' or 'needs'

Source

comment on David Hume (Treatise of Human Nature [1739]) by G.E.M. Anscombe - Modern Moral Philosophy p.176

Book Reference

'The Is/Ought Question', ed/tr. Hudson,W.H. [Macmillan 1969], p.176


A Reaction

Profound and important. The empirical and emotivist (nay, nihilist) clinging to the total independence of duties from facts crumbles when looking at facts of human nature or of social groups. Creatures ought to feed; societies ought to flourish.