But matters are complicated by the fact that the injunction to judge
morality by the standards of the time under consideration, is itself a
product of our own time.
Steven W
Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2004 17:21:10 -0500
From: Alexander Soifer <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: where philosophy cannot go / was "heidegger"
Blair Miller wrote:
> Thanks for the support, but I'm afraid I'm not quite sure what you
> mean with respect to ahistoricism.
Dear Blair:
Sorry for not explaining. When you write "This doesn't even approach the
racism, slavery and unjust murders taken up by those in power even as
far back as Athens - practices not exactly frowned upon by poineers such
as Aristotle and Plato. Yes, a healthy early democracy - but only for
Greek adult men" -- you measure Plato and Aristotle by moral standards
of present day, something that does not have much meaning. They ought to
be measured by moral standards of their day -- and they measure up very
well, I should say.
You probably meant "but only for Greek adult men" half-jokingly, but the
Russians say "Every joke has a grain if truth" -- and I do not think
there is any truth in your joke.
Best wishes!
Alexander Soifer
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