Concept tag
#is-ought
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“Natural birth”: does an evolutionary story about a trait tell us whether it is good?
On the maternity ward I hear the word "natural" all day, pulling in opposite directions. Some women are told that birth without intervention is best because "your body evolved to do this". Others are told that labour pain is natural and therefore…
Started by Farhana Akter4 replies -
Reading group: Hume’s Treatise on reason, passion and the source of moral distinctions
I have finally started reading Hume properly in retirement, and I would like company for the passages that underlie most modern arguments about moral motivation. Three short sections of A Treatise of Human Nature, one a week: Week 1. Book 2, Part…
Started by Alistair Gow5 replies -
What does Moore’s open question argument actually prove, and what is the standard reply to it?
Moore's open question argument from Principia Ethica (1903) keeps coming up as I work through ethics on my own, and I cannot tell whether it is a deep insight or a trick. Here is my understanding. Take any proposed definition of good…
Started by Emeka Anyaoha4 replies