Single Idea 23691

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / b. Rational ethics]

Full Idea

The man who rejects morality because he sees no reason to obey its rules can be convicted of villainy but not of inconsistency.

Gist of Idea

Rejecting moral rules may be villainous, but it isn't inconsistent

Source

Philippa Foot (Morality as system of hypothetical imperatives [1972], p.161)

Book Reference

Foot,Philippa: 'Virtues and Vices' [Blackwell 1981], p.161


A Reaction

This is 'middle period' Foot, when she decided that Hume was right about the need for a desire as moral motivator. Before and after this time, she thought there were reasons to be moral, as well as desires.