philosophical objection

[masterding]

Quote from President Obama's recent address on Ebola outbreak:
"I don't have a philosophical objection necessarily to a travel ban if that is the thing that is going to keep the American people safe."
What does " philosophical objection" mean here?
Thanks

 

[SoothingDave]

He says he is not opposing a travel ban because of any principle that he holds that states that such things are always bad. The philosophy, the thought, behind a travel ban is not opposed because of some other thought, some other philosophy or principle that he holds dear.

He is stating that his refusal to implement a travel ban is based on practical concerns, not because of some grand principle.