Denial Quote by Catherine Wilson
“The moves to contractualism and utilitarianism required some extra ingredients besides mortalism, the denial that God is in charge of the world, and the doctrine that physical and psychological pain are the greatest evils.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Ethics of Contractualism, 2020
The shift toward contractualism and utilitarianism adds concepts beyond basic moral realism, rejecting divine authority and viewing pain as the worst evil.
In simple terms: New moral frameworks reject God and view pain as ultimate evil.
Consider broader ethical foundations beyond religious or pain‑based views.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- policy making
- personal belief formation
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do cultural values shape ethical theories?
- Can pain be measured objectively?
These theories may overlook cultural or emotional dimensions of morality.