Single Idea 3264

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 3. Universalisability]

Full Idea

One should occupy a position far enough outside your own life to reduce the importance of the difference between yourself and other people, yet not so far outside that all human values vanish in a nihilistic blackout (i.e.aim for a form of humility).

Gist of Idea

We should see others' viewpoints, but not lose touch with our own values

Source

Thomas Nagel (The View from Nowhere [1986], XI.2)

Book Reference

Nagel,Thomas: 'The View from Nowhere' [OUP 1989], p.222