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Full Idea
Moral 'rationalism' says if an action is right for agents in some circumstances, then there is a reason for the agents to do it.
Gist of Idea
'Rationalism' says the rightness of an action is a reason to perform it
Source
Michael Smith (The Moral Problem [1994], 3.1)
Book Ref
Smith,Michael: 'The Moral Problem' [Blackwell 1994], p.62
A Reaction
That is, there is not merely a motivation to act (the 'internalist' view), but there is a reason to act. Smith calls both views the 'practicality requirement' of normal moral judgements. Smith defends the rationalist view.
Related Ideas
Idea 23729 Moral internalism says a judgement of rightness is thereby motivating [Smith,M]
Idea 23731 'Externalists' say moral judgements are not reasons, and maybe not even motives [Smith,M]