Single Idea 20216

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 1. Nature of Ethics / d. Ethical theory]

Full Idea

Modern ethics generally considers morality much less a system for fulfilling human nature than a set of principles for dealing with individuals in conflict.

Gist of Idea

Modern moral theory concerns settling conflicts, rather than human fulfilment

Source

Linda Trinkaus Zagzebski (Virtues of the Mind [1996], II 7)

Book Reference

Zagzebski,Linda: 'Virtues of the Mind' [CUP 1996], p.255


A Reaction

Historically I associate this move with Hugo Grotius around 1620. He was a great legalist, and eudaimonist virtue ethics gradually turned into jurisprudence. The Enlightenment sought rules for resolving dilemmas. Liberalism makes fulfilment private.