Single Idea 20171

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

Full Idea

The assumption that the requirements of reason are universal and impersonal ...is false of practical reason that aims at successful action. Whether a belief is true depends on the facts. Whether an action is successful depends on what success consists in.

Gist of Idea

Practical reason is not universal and impersonal, because it depends on what success is

Source

John Kekes (The Human Condition [2010], 08.5)

Book Reference

Kekes,John: 'The Human Condition' [OUP 2010], p.182


A Reaction

Kekes is trying to eliminate the Kantian idea that reason can lead us to the 'right' thing to do. He rightly points to the complex demands of human, cultural and personal values.