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Single Idea 24474

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / k. Ethics from nature]

Full Idea

Moral systems are defined relative to idealised family models (e.g. the Strict Father, and the Nurturant Parent models. What counts as 'altruistic' is very different in different family-based models.

Gist of Idea

Moral systems are based on various models of family life

Source

G Lakoff / M Johnson (Philosophy in the Flesh [1999], 25 'Evolution')

A Reaction

[See Ch 14 of this book] This doesn't offer an account of fundamental metaethics, but it is a good proposal for the sources of the various normative systems. How should strict fathers or nurturers acctually treat children. There are strict nurturers!

Book Reference

Lakoff,G/Johnson,M: 'Philosophy in the Flesh' [Basic Books 1999], p.559