Combining Texts

Ideas for 'Mahaprajnaparamitashastra', 'The Sovereignty of Good' and 'Russell's Ontological Development'

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2 ideas

22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / g. Love
Love is a central concept in morals [Murdoch]
     Full Idea: Love is a central concept in morals. ....[p.30] The central concept of morality is 'the individual' thought of as knowable by love, thought of in the light of the command 'Be ye therefore perfect'.
     From: Iris Murdoch (The Sovereignty of Good [1970], I)
     A reaction: This seems to be a critique of the chillier aspects of utilitarianism and Kantian duty. Love doesn't seem essential to Aristotle's concept of virtue either, and Murdoch's tradition seems to be Christian. I'm undecided about this idea.
Ordinary human love is good evidence of transcendent goodness [Murdoch]
     Full Idea: Is not ordinary human love ...striking evidence of a transcendental principle of good?
     From: Iris Murdoch (The Sovereignty of Good [1970], II)
     A reaction: Sorry to be mean, but I would say not. Love is tied up with sexual desire, and with family and tribal loyalty, and can be observed in quite humble animals. (Love, I should quickly add, is a very good thing indeed. Really).