Single Idea 22445

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 1. Nature of Ethics / b. Defining ethics]

Full Idea

While one can determine from the concept of morality that there is an objection to murder one cannot determine completely what will count as murder.

Gist of Idea

Morality shows murder is wrong, but not what counts as a murder

Source

Philippa Foot (Morality and Art [1972], p.7)

Book Reference

Foot,Philippa: 'Moral Dilemmas' [OUP 2002], p.7


A Reaction

She then refers to abortion, but there are military and criminal problem cases, and killings by neglect or side effect.

Related Idea

Idea 22446 In the case of something lacking independence, calling it a human being is a matter of choice [Foot]