Single Idea 7505

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / e. Human nature]

Full Idea

To acknowledge human nature, many think, is to endorse racism, sexism, war, greed, genocide, nihilism, reactionary politics, and neglect of children and the disadvantaged.

Gist of Idea

Many think that accepting human nature is to accept innumerable evils

Source

Steven Pinker (The Blank Slate [2002], Pref)

Book Reference

Pinker,Steven: 'The Blank Slate' [Penguin 2003], p.-11


A Reaction

The point is that modern liberal thinking says everything is nurture (which can be changed), not nature (which can't). Virtue theory, of which I am a fan, requires a concept of human nature, as the thing which can attain excellence in its function.