Action Quote by Raymond Geuss
“It is an assumption that there is always one single dimension for assessing persons and their actions that has canonical priority. This is the dimension of moral evaluation; "good/evil" is supposed always to trump any other form of evaluation, but that is an assumption, probably the result of the long history of the Christianisation and then gradual de-Christianisation of Europe, which one need not make. Evaluation need not mean moral evaluation, but might include assessments of efficiency, ... simplicity, perspicuousness, aesthetic appeal, and so on.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: On the Idea of the Good, 1992
Geuss argues that moral evaluation is not the sole or ultimate metric for judging people; other criteria like efficiency and aesthetic value also matter.
In simple terms: Moral judgment isn’t the only way to assess actions.
Key Takeaway
Consider multiple evaluation criteria.
Themes
ethics
philosophy
pluralism
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business decisions
- art criticism
- policy analysis
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
valuation theory
cultural relativism
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can non‑moral criteria be legitimized?
- What risks arise from ignoring moral judgment?
A Different Perspective
Moral frameworks still often dominate public discourse, limiting alternative assessments.
