Combining Texts

Ideas for 'Metaphysics', 'Against the Logicians (two books)' and 'In a Different Voice'

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3 ideas

22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 1. Nature of Ethics / b. Defining ethics
Moral problems are responsibility conflicts, needing contextual and narrative attention to relationships [Gilligan]
     Full Idea: The moral problem arises from conflicting responsibilities rather than competing rights, and its resolution needs contextual and narrative thinking. This morality as care centers around the understanding of responsibility and relationships.
     From: Carol Gilligan (In a Different Voice [1982], p.19), quoted by Will Kymlicka - Contemporary Political Philosophy (1st edn)
     A reaction: [Kymlicka cites her as a key voice in feminist moral philosophy] I like all of this, especially the very original thought (to me, anyway) that moral thinking should be 'narrative' in character.
22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / b. Successful function
A thing's active function is its end [Aristotle]
     Full Idea: A thing's active function is its end.
     From: Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1050a16)
     A reaction: This sort of remark is the basis of modern teleological functionalism about the mind. I think that is misguided. Don't define things by their function. They have functions because of intrinsic character.
22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 1. Goodness / a. Form of the Good
Is the good a purpose, a source of movement, or a pure form? [Aristotle]
     Full Idea: The good is a principle for all things, and is so in the very highest degree, but in what way? As a purpose, as a source of movement, or as a form?
     From: Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1075a32)
     A reaction: I tend to think of it as an 'ideal', whatever that is, and hence an inspiration, but a rather vague one. Beauty, goodness and truth. Surely not a source of movement?