Single Idea 22463

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / E. Utilitarianism / 1. Utilitarianism]

Full Idea

Morality is thought of as a kind of tacit legislation by the community.

Gist of Idea

Morality is seen as tacit legislation by the community

Source

Philippa Foot (Utilitarianism and the Virtues [1985], p.75)

Book Reference

Foot,Philippa: 'Moral Dilemmas' [OUP 2002], p.75


A Reaction

Foot presents this as a utilitarian doctrine, because the tacit legislation is felt to produce the best outcomes. This is Nietzsche's good and evil, beyond which he wished to go (presumably following other values).