“ It is hardly too much to say, indeed, that prerational morality is morality proper. Rational ethics, in comparison, seems a kind of politics or wisdom, while post-rational systems are essentially religions. ”
George Santayana, The Life of Reason (1905). copy citation
Author | George Santayana |
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Source | The Life of Reason |
Topic | wisdom ethics |
Date | 1905 |
Language | English |
Reference | |
Note | |
Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/15000/15000-h/15000-h.htm |
Context
“Actual interests, rooted habits, appreciations the opposite of which is inconceivable and contrary to the current use of language, are embodied in special precepts; or they flare up of themselves in impassioned judgments. It is hardly too much to say, indeed, that prerational morality is morality proper. Rational ethics, in comparison, seems a kind of politics or wisdom, while post-rational systems are essentially religions. If we thus identify morality with prerational standards, we may agree also that morality is no science in itself, though it may become, with other matters, a subject for the science of anthropology; and Hume, who had never come to close quarters with any rational or post-rational ideal, could say with perfect truth that morality was not founded on reason.”
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