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Character Quote by Alfred North Whitehead

“What is morality in any given time or place? It is what the majority then and there happen to like and immorality is what they dislike.” quote by Alfred North Whitehead
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“What is morality in any given time or place? It is what the majority then and there happen to like and immorality is what they dislike.”

Alfred North Whitehead

About This Quote

Source Philosophy: Process and Reality, 1929

Morality is presented as a social construct, changing with majority preferences over time.

In simple terms: Morality reflects majority tastes.

Key Takeaway

Question prevailing moral standards.

Themes

ethics relativism societal norms

Mood

analytical critical

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • lawmaking
  • public policy
  • personal decisions

Key Concepts

moral philosophy cultural studies

Questions to Reflect On

  • How to protect minorities under majority rule?
  • Can moral standards be universal?
A Different Perspective

May ignore minority rights.

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