Edmund Burke: “Otherwise we should dispute all the points of morality, before we can…”

On the record

Otherwise we should dispute all the points of morality, before we can punish a murderer, robber, and adulterer; we should analyze all society.

Said by

Edmund Burke

Source

Burke posits that if we had to analyze every moral point before punishing crimes, it would be impractical and hinder justice.

More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

They will become flatterers instead of legislators,--the instruments, not the guides of the people.

Jan 1, 1790

The improvements of the National Assembly are superficial, their errors fundamental.

Jan 1, 1790

Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.

Jan 1, 1790

I would not exclude alteration neither; but even when I changed, it should be to preserve.

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Edmund Burke: “Otherwise we should dispute all the points of morality, before we can punish a murderer, robber, and adulterer; we…”