AI Overview In John M. Rist's Real Ethics: Reconsidering the Foundations of Morality (Cambridge University Press, 2002), the author argues that modern, secular conceptions of "subjective rights" (such as absolute freedom and equality) are often arbitrary, functioning as a "hangover" from a Christian, metaphysical past that has mostly been abandoned.Rist argues that when these rights are not backed by a robust, often metaphysical or theistic framework (specifically, a modified Platonism), they are reduced to personal preferences, social engineering, or the "will of the stronger". He contends that:Subjective Rights as "Hangover": Modern, choice-based theories of rights are detached from any objective, transcendent good.The Problem of Choice: Contemporary ethics often treats "choice" as the ultimate value, which Rist considers inherently incoherent and a form of nihilism.Platonism or Deception: The only viable alternatives for moral philosophy are to adopt a form of Platonic realism (often aligned with Augustinianism) or to fall into a form of moral, often nihilistic, deception.In essence, Rist challenges the modern, secular, and, in his view, shallow definition of equality and freedom, favoring a return to a more profound, metaphysically-grounded ethics.
AI Overview
In John M. Rist's Real Ethics: Reconsidering the Foundations of Morality (Cambridge University Press, 2002), the author argues that modern, secular conceptions of "subjective rights" (such as absolute freedom and equality) are often arbitrary, functioning as a "hangover" from a Christian, metaphysical past that has mostly been abandoned. [1, 2, 4]
Rist argues that when these rights are not backed by a robust, often metaphysical or theistic framework (specifically, a modified Platonism), they are reduced to personal preferences, social engineering, or the "will of the stronger". He contends that: [1, 2]
- Subjective Rights as "Hangover": Modern, choice-based theories of rights are detached from any objective, transcendent good.
- The Problem of Choice: Contemporary ethics often treats "choice" as the ultimate value, which Rist considers inherently incoherent and a form of nihilism.
- Platonism or Deception: The only viable alternatives for moral philosophy are to adopt a form of Platonic realism (often aligned with Augustinianism) or to fall into a form of moral, often nihilistic, deception. [1, 2, 3, 4]
In essence, Rist challenges the modern, secular, and, in his view, shallow definition of equality and freedom, favoring a return to a more profound, metaphysically-grounded ethics.
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