Dostoevsky believed that the gods of rationalism and…
“Dostoevsky believed that the gods of rationalism and materialist utilitarianism had joined in conspiracy against all other ethical systems. ... The accumulation of capital, or the acquisition of money, are endeavors par excellence which establish a quantifiable goal: hence they are directly amenable to maximization formulae.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Rationalist and materialist ideologies collaborate to prioritize profit, reducing ethics to calculable outcomes.
In simple terms: Capitalism turns ethics into numbers.
Key Takeaway
Recognize ethical limits of profit‑driven thinking.
Themes
economics
ethics
philosophy
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
economic
When to use this quote
- business strategy
- policy making
- academic discussion
Key Concepts
utilitarianism
materialism
capital accumulation
Questions to Reflect On
- Can profit be aligned with moral values?
- What ethical safeguards are needed?
A Different Perspective
Pure profit focus can ignore human welfare.