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Shokhin, V.K. Is a Good Definition of Goodness? (Experience of Ancient Philosophy)

Abstract: George Moor’s basic theorem about indefinability of goodness has been the topic of debates in metaethics up to the present. It is quite understandable because the solution of this question has an influence on many ethic programs. However, this problem is mostly solved a priori and just in theory. The author of the article describes how it is possible to solve the problem from the point of history and philosophy. If, in spite of the evident proof that goodness has a ‘simple’ and ‘absolute’ meaning and therefore it is an indefinable concept, history and philosophy provide certain definitions of this term, then Moor’s position can be corrected. If not, then Moor’s theorem will be proved a posteriori. The author of the article analyzes definitions (and proof that there are no definitions) of goodness in ancient philosophy from the first Indian philosophers to Sextus Empiricus.


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George Moor’s basic theorem about indefinability of goodness has been the topic of debates in metaet, this problem is mostly solved a priori and just in theory. The author of the article describes how i, in spite of the evident proof that goodness has a ‘simple’ and ‘absolute’ meaning and therefore it i, history and philosophy provide certain definitions of this term, then Moor’s position can be corrected. If not, then Moor’s theorem will be proved a posteriori. The author of the article analyzes definitions (and


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