Single Idea 7833

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / i. Self-interest]

Full Idea

Spinoza names self-interest as the sole source of value.

Gist of Idea

Spinoza names self-interest as the sole source of value

Source

report of Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675]) by Matthew Stewart - The Courtier and the Heretic Ch.10

Book Reference

Stewart,Matthew: 'The Courtier and the Heretic' [Yale 2007], p.178


A Reaction

This looks like a very seventeenth century view. There was a steady move from cynicism through to the optimism of the eighteenth century. I just don't agree that self-interest is the "sole" source of value, though we should never underestimate it.

Related Idea

Idea 4183 Only self-love can motivate morality, but that also makes it worthless [Schopenhauer]