The Futility of Grand Principles 35
dream, first conceived in Europe three centuries ago, of relying
on reason to comprehend both human nature and the physical
world.
In the sphere of ethics, the goal was also extremely ambitious.
Philosophers sought to find an overarching, rational justification for
morality—a set of basic principles that were independent of religion,
tradition, culture, or individual beliefs. Some philosophers have de-
scribed this endeavor as the quest to replace the biased, subjective,
all-too-human approach to ethical issues with a transcendent, ‘‘God’s-
eye’’ perspective.
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If these philosophers had succeeded, the results would have been
extraordinary. Once discovered, the fundamental ethical principle
could serve as a morality machine. ...