QuoteProject
Why does everyone take for granted that we don't learn to grow arms, but rather, are designed to grow arms? Similarly, we should conclude that in the case of the development of moral systems; there's a biological endowment which in effect requires us to develop a system of moral judgment and a theory of justice, if you like, that in fact has detailed applicability over an enormous range.
Noam Chomsky
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote suggests that moral systems are inherent to our nature, similar to physical attributes like arms.

Noam Chomsky emphasizes that just as humans are biologically designed to develop physical traits like arms, there is also an innate biological foundation for the development of moral judgments and systems of justice. This perspective highlights that moral reasoning is not merely a social construct but has deep evolutionary roots that apply across various contexts in human society.

Themes

Moral SystemsJusticeBiological EndowmentMoral JudgmentNature

In practice

Example use cases

During a philosophical debate discussing the origins of morality.

More from Noam Chomsky

There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
The 'free-floating intellectual' may occupy himself with problems because of their inherent interest and importance, perhaps to little effect.
Noam ChomskyRead
If you're teaching today what you were teaching five years ago, either the field is dead or you are.
Noam ChomskyRead
There are very few people who are going to look into the mirror and say, 'That person I see is a savage monster;' instead, they make up some construction that justifies what they do.
Noam ChomskyRead
The Republican Party has become overwhelmingly so extreme that it's hardly a traditional political party anymore.
Noam ChomskyRead
There is still much debate about whether torture has been effective in eliciting information - the assumption being, apparently, that if it is effective, then it may be justified.
Noam ChomskyRead

Similar quotes

Anger, if not restrained, is frequently more hurtful to us than the injury that provokes it.
Seneca The YoungerRead
Religions have always stressed that compassion is not only central to religious life, it is the key to enlightenment and it the true test of spirituality. But there have always have been those who'd rather put easier goals, like doctrine conformity, in place.
Karen ArmstrongRead
Prayer is the slender nerve that moves the muscle of omnipotence.
Charles SpurgeonRead
If two people agree, one of them is unnecessary.
Henry FordRead
Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror. The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge structures collapsing, have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness and a quiet, unyielding anger.
George W. BushRead
Something my dad would say was that it's not important to win, but it's important to know how not to be defeated. The art of invincibility is the most important attribute in Jiu-Jitsu.
Rickson GracieRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.