Belief Quote by David E. Cooper
“The dis-incumbenced stance is the one people should cultivate, we are told, once they recognize that there is no world beyond the human world. They will, indeed must, have their beliefs and values, but they will recognize that these 'lean upon' - and are answerable to - nothing other than human commitments and purposes. The only fidelity, Rorty remarked, can be to our own conventions.”
About This Quote
Human commitments are the only ultimate reference; we must base values on human purposes, not imagined absolutes.
In simple terms: Our duties stem from human choices, not external worlds.
Key Takeaway
Anchor ethics in human agreements and purposes.
Themes
humanism
ethical relativism
philosophy
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- political theory
- personal decision‑making
- community building
Key Concepts
human commitments
conventionalism
Rorty’s ideas
Questions to Reflect On
- What human commitments guide your actions?
- How do you balance personal values with collective needs?
A Different Perspective
May overlook universal concerns like environmental stewardship.
