Is-Ought Dichotomy

The Is-Ought Dichotomy is a term used to describe the classic "fact-value gap" that has plagued many philosophers in the past. The dichotomy itself says that the metaphysical facts of reality (what something "is") are in a separate realm than the values of ethics (what one "ought" to do about it).

Objectivism considers this a false dichotomy for one main reason: Because man's life is the standard of values, a fact of reality is evaluated on that standard and a value-judgment is formed as to the degree in which it furthers or acts against man's life.

Further Reading

• "Is-Ought Dichotomy" at the Ayn Rand Lexicon