Are there better reasons to value a relationship than because it allows you or the other to do more good or be a better person? This seems like it could be the best reason to value a relationship, because it’s unselfish. And it doesn’t seem that alienating to me.
I suppose the point is that there shouldn’t be a reason, and we should just value the relationship in itself. But then we’re left with taking that as an axiom without justification (or else that justification would be a reason). And are we sure we aren’t just being selfish or trying to justify selfishness by giving relationships special status to avoid much more demanding moral obligations?
Are there better reasons to value a relationship than because it allows you or the other to do more good or be a better person? This seems like it could be the best reason to value a relationship, because it’s unselfish. And it doesn’t seem that alienating to me.
I suppose the point is that there shouldn’t be a reason, and we should just value the relationship in itself. But then we’re left with taking that as an axiom without justification (or else that justification would be a reason). And are we sure we aren’t just being selfish or trying to justify selfishness by giving relationships special status to avoid much more demanding moral obligations?