Single Idea 22389

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 4. Categorical Imperative]

Full Idea

Moral judgements have no better claim to be categorical imperatives than do statements about matters of etiquette.

Gist of Idea

Morality no more consists of categorical imperatives than etiquette does

Source

Philippa Foot (Morality as system of hypothetical imperatives [1972], p.164)

Book Reference

Foot,Philippa: 'Virtues and Vices' [Blackwell 1981], p.164


A Reaction

Her claim is that all moral judgements are responses to situations, and so are hypothetical. This judgement of hers is the culmination of a careful discussion.

Related Ideas

Idea 22390 Kant thought human nature was pure hedonism, so virtue is only possible via the categorical imperative [Foot on Kant]

Idea 22395 Moral judgements are hypothetical, because they depend on interests and desires [Foot]