Questions as to"values" that is to say, as to what is good or bad on its own account, independently of its effects lie outside the domain of science. as the defenders of religion emphatically assert. I think that in this they are right, but I draw the further conclusion, which they do not draw, that questions as to Values" lie wholly outside the domain of knowledge, That is to say, when we assert that this or that hasvalue, we are giving expression to our own emotions, not to a fact which would still be true if our personal feelings were different 2021//21
2021/1/21 11 Questions as to "values" __ that is to say, as to what is good or bad on its own account, independently of its effects __lie outside the domain of science, as the defenders of religion emphatically assert. I think that in this they are right, but I draw the further conclusion, which they do not draw, that questions as to "values" lie wholly outside the domain of knowledge. That is to say, when we assert that this or that has "value," we are giving expression to our own emotions, not to a fact which would still be true if our personal feelings were different
r To make this clear, we must try to analyze the onception of the Good. It is obvious, to begin with, that the whole idea of good and bad has some connection with desire. Prima facie, anything that we all desire is good, and anything that we all dread is'bad. If we all agreed in our desires, the matter could be left there, but unfortunately our desires conflict. If I say what I want is good,"my neighbour will say No, what I want." Ethics is an attempt though not, I think, a successful one to escape from this subjectivity 2021//21
2021/1/21 12 To make this clear, we must try to analyze the onception of the Good.It is obvious, to begin with, that the whole idea of good and bad has some connection with desire. Prima facie, anything that we all desire is "good," and anything that we all dread is' "bad." If we all agreed in our desires, the matter could be left there, but unfortunately our desires conflict. If I say "what I want is good," my neighbour will say "No, what I want." Ethics is an attempt__ though not, I think, a successful one __ to escape from this subjectivity
rI shall naturally try to show, in my dispute quality which makes them more wortbror ne with my neighbour, that my desires have sor respect than his. o Ifl want to preserve a right of way, I shall appeal to the landless inhabitants of the district; but he, on his side, will appeal to the landowners. I shall say: What use is the beauty of the countryside if no one sees it. He willl retort: What beauty will be left if trippers are allowed to spread devastation? Each tries to enlist allies by showing that his own desires harmonize with those of other peopie. 2021//21
2021/1/21 13 I shall naturally try to show, in my dispute with my neighbour, that my desires have some quality which makes them more worthy of respect than his. If l want to preserve a right of way, I shall appeal to the landless inhabitants of the district; but he, on his side, will appeal to the landowners. I shall say: "What use is the beauty of the countryside if no one sees it!'' He will retort: "What beauty will be left if trippers are allowed to spread devastation?" Each tries to enlist allies by showing that his own desires harmonize with those of other people
r When this is obviously impossible, as in the case of a burglar the man is condemned by public opinion, and his ethical status is that of a sinner. ethics is thus closely related to politics, it is an attempt to bring the collective desires of a group to bear upon individuals, or, conversely, it is an attempt by an individual to cause his desires to become those of his group. This latter is, of course, only possible if his desires are not too obviously opposed to the general interest: the burglar will hardly attempt to persuade people that he is doing them good, though plutocrats make similar attempts, and often succeed. 2021//21
2021/1/21 14 When this is obviously impossible, as in the case of a burglar, the man is condemned by public opinion, and his ethica1 status is that of a sinner. Ethics is thus closely related to politics; it is an attempt to bring the collective desires of a group to bear upon individuals; or, conversely, it is an attempt by an individual to cause his desires to become those of his group. This latter is, of course, only possible if his desires are not too obviously opposed to the general interest: the burglar will hardly attempt to persuade people that he is doing them good, though plutocrats make similar attempts, and often succeed
When our desires are for things which can enjoy in common, it seems not unreasonable to hope that others may concur; thus the philosopher who values Truth, Goodness and Beauty seems, to himself to be not merely expressing his own desires, but pointing the way to the welfare of all mankind. Unlike the burglar he is able to believe that his desires are for something that has value in an impersonal sense 2021//21
2021/1/21 15 When our desires are for things which can enjoy in common, it seems not unreasonable to hope that others may concur; thus the philosopher who values Truth, Goodness and Beauty seems, to himself to be not merely expressing his own desires, but pointing the way to the welfare of all mankind. Unlike the burglar, he is able to believe that his desires are for something that has value in an impersonal sense.