While the easiest way in metaphysics is to condemn all metaphysics as nonsense, the easiest way in morals is to elevate the common practice of the community into a moral absolute.
ConformityCriticismEthicsMetaphysicsMoralityPhilosophySocietyThinking
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Boorstin criticizes two intellectual lazilities: dismissing metaphysics entirely and treating common social habits as absolute moral truths.
- In plain terms
- It is easy to reject deep thinking or to assume what everyone does is automatically right.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid lazy thinking in philosophy and morality.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is common practice always a reliable moral guide?
- How do we evaluate metaphysics without dismissing it?
Another view
Some common practices do reflect useful moral wisdom.
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