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Callicles on Moral Realism

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Kwame F. Bell
Philosophy 101
Dr. Elizabeth Laidlaw
Fall 2012

In Callicles argument on the Superior Individual, Callicles reasoned that in nature as well as humanity the strong dominates the weak. Also known as Moral Realism, Callicles argument on the Superior Individual is in fact one of interest because it is often deemed true, regardless of the false fallacies that exist. It is often believed that in nature as well as in humanity, strength and weakness are viable factors in determining levels of success, social roles and survival etc. Although, both strength and weakness often measure one’s ability, in this case it provided a glimpse into the falsehoods in Callicles claim. Although logical, I will prove that Callicles argument …show more content…

On one account, the Regulatory theories, laws of nature are statements of the uniformities or regularities in the world; and on the other account, the Necessitarian theory, laws of nature are the principles that govern the natural phenomena of the world.” This conveyed that by way of the Regulatory theory we describe what’s best for human nature and determine the way of the world, whereas the Necessitarian theory provides us with the ability to describe the world’s obedience to the laws of nature. [Emphasis added] Callicles metaphysical claim on moral realism appeared to fall within the regulatory theory and the necessitarian theory because it was simply subjective. What’s best for one may not be best for another, thereby contradicting what’s best for humanity and nature. Suppose Callicles insisted that humanity has a choice to follow the laws of nature then the premise would be true because who’s to say ones beliefs are superior over another. But Callicles claim fell short and seemed almost judgmental, for Callicles felt that humanity “ought” to follow the laws of nature. The use of the term “ought” like must and should silenced one’s ability to reason, almost shunning different belief systems. Take nature in its entirety with and without human interaction, there’s a unique process for which it flows, which brings me to my first objection: Humanity is not compelled to follow the laws of nature.
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