display all the ideas for this combination of philosophers
2 ideas
21742 | Originally virtue was obedience, to gods, government, or custom [Russell] |
Full Idea: Historically, virtue consisted at first of obedience to authority, whether that of the gods, the government, or custom. | |
From: Bertrand Russell (An Outline of Philosophy [1927], Ch 22) | |
A reaction: Russell proceeds to demolish such a theory, which he finds it fairly easy to do. In Nietzsche's terms, he is only describing slave virtue. Each role in the world has its own virtues (and functions). Which gods are the most virtuous? |
21517 | Individuals need creativity, reverence for others, and self-respect [Russell] |
Full Idea: What we shall desire for individuals is now clear: strong creative impulses, overpowering and absorbing the instinct of possession; reverence for others; respect for the fundamental creative impulses in ourselves. | |
From: Bertrand Russell (Political Ideals [1917], 1) | |
A reaction: Interesting that when Russell focuses on morality, he turns to virtues, rather than to rules. He uses 'reverence' where I would favour 'respect'. His concept of creativity is broad, and does not just concern art etc. |