Ought Without a Lawgiver

In 1958 the philosopher Elizabeth Anscombe argued that the moral “ought” many people use, a strict must that binds whether you like it or not, came from the idea of divine law. When people stopped believing in a lawgiver, the word kept its force but lost its support.

She did not say morality was nonsense. She said that modern philosophy had inherited a heavy word without the frame that once explained it, and she suggested going back to ask what a human being needs in order to flourish, using words like “virtue” and “unjust”.

Philosophers still dispute her claim. The practical lesson is to check what a loaded word is leaning on. If you cannot say, the word may be carrying more weight than the reasons you can give.

The old street sign

A town keeps a street sign, “No Vehicles on the Green,” although most of the green was paved for traffic long ago. Nobody remembers who put it there, and drivers feel uneasy yet cannot say why.

A councilor asks what the sign rests on. There is no law, no keeper, and no reason beyond habit. The council replaces it with a sign saying why the strip of grass is protected, and drivers know what to do.

Try this today Pick a strong word you use, such as “duty” or “should”, and write what stands behind it.