Human Goods and Moral Normativity. G.E.M. Anscombe's Critique of the Concept of “Moral ought”

Abstract

Elizabeth Anscombe’s critique on consequentialism in her “Modern Moral Philosophy” marked a milestone in the development of Anglo-American moral philosophy and virtue ethics. First of all, I briefly indicate the historical context of her criticism, as well as the proper meaning of her rejection of “moral ought”. Second, I will consider the relation between obligation and virtues, through the notion of moral modalities and human needs. Last, I will formulate some suggestions on the relation between moral normativity and human goods.