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jiimmyyy t1_ive9f2q wrote

Reply to comment by Velociraptortillas in Michael Shermer argues that science can determine many of our moral values. Morality is aimed at protecting certain human desires, like avoidance of harm (e.g. torture, slavery). Science helps us determine what these desires are and how to best achieve them. by Ma3Ke4Li3

I'm not sure what an ought is in this context then. I thought an ought statement would be something like "you ought not drink sea water".

Could you give me a better example?

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Velociraptortillas t1_ivebq40 wrote

Sure!

Here's a fact:

It is raining.

SO

I ought to wear galoshes.

OR

I ought to take my shoes off and jump in puddles.

OR

Who cares? I'm not changing my routine.

One fact, three entirely opposing decisions. Facts may have bearing on decisions, they do not dictate them. In the first two cases, the fact informs two opposite decisions - keep your feet dry, go jump in puddles. In the third case, the fact exists, but holds no influence and in this way, is the opposite of the first two decisions.

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jiimmyyy t1_ivecwpn wrote

I disagree, because whatever ought you go with is ultimately going to be determined by underlying facts of the matter.

For instance, your first example - if you decide that you ought to take your shoes off and go jumping in puddles, then that decision is going to be predicated on is statements.

I ought to go jumping in puddles because it is the case that I'd get more enjoyment out of that than the other options, and it is the case that I value my enjoyment more highly than anything else right now.

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