The AskPhilosophers logo.

Ethics

Two eight year old children keep their rooms in immaculate condition. One does it because she believes Santa is coming. The other does it because she simply believes it's the right thing to do (i.e., helping out her parents, being responsible, etc.). Both girls behaviors are identical. Which is the more moral? Thanks, Jeff
Accepted:
March 17, 2006

Comments

Mark Crimmins
March 20, 2006 (changed March 20, 2006) Permalink

I take your point to be that motivation matters to our moral assessment: the latter child, unlike the former, is acting for admirable reasons.

Sure. However, as a parent, I reject your first premise: that two eight year old children keep their rooms in immaculate condition.

  • Log in to post comments
Source URL: https://askphilosophers.org/question/1036
© 2005-2025 AskPhilosophers.org