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The Origin of Our Knowledge of Right and Wrong

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Brentano is principally known for the concept of Intentionality that he pioneered, and that is now a prominent issue within the philosophy of the mind (considered a sub-division with an affinity both to metaphysics and philosophy of language). In this book, however, he attempts to give an account of morals. He analyzes mental activities in depth and searches for a source of certainty in moral judgements, as did many before him (the books dates from 1889). He criticizes Kant, adopts and tries to improve on Descartes, and relies on Aristotle. To sum up, the good is what we rightly love, the bad - what we rightly hate. How do we know what is 'rightly' here ? by distinguishing between instinctive, blind mental impulse and wise, higher vision. And how we do that ? well, by virtue of intuitive evidence of the natural light... yes, the same principal Descartes used. Why read it then ? because Brentano makes some fine observations about the activities of the mind; because dealing with his arguments may spur your own understanding; and because he is an important figure in philosophy, historically. Of course, philosophy never completely solved a cardinal problem, and Brentano is no exception. The important thing is what you go through when facing the problems of morality, among others. Don't skip the appendices.