Single Idea 23094

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 1. Nature of Ethics / g. Moral responsibility]

Full Idea

Ought implies can translates into the claim that only autonomous agents are morally responsible.

Gist of Idea

Ought implies can means moral responsibility needs autonomy

Source

John Kekes (Against Liberalism [1997], 03.3)

Book Reference

Kekes,John: 'Against Liberalism' [Cornell 1997], p.52


A Reaction

Since Kekes identifies autonomy as the key to liberalism, he sees this also as a basic liberal claim (which he rejects). I ought to ring my mother, but my phone is broken (so I ought not to ring my mother?)..