Character Quote by Dale Jamieson
“Since for me moral demands necessarily flow from human psychology, I don't think we can be obliged to do something that we are not motivated in any way to do. In other words, I'm an "internalist" about morality.”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: Ethics and Human Motivation, Dale Jamieson, 2018
Moral obligations should align with personal motivation; otherwise they feel coercive.
In simple terms: We should only be obliged to act when we are internally motivated.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate internal reasons for ethical actions.
Themes
morality
motivation
autonomy
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- workplace policies
- environmental activism
- personal habits
Key Concepts
ethical theory
internalism
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivates your moral choices?
- Can external incentives complement internal values?
A Different Perspective
External pressures may still be necessary for societal good.
