Single Idea 22495

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / e. Character]

Full Idea

To speak of a good person is to speak of an individual not in respect of his body, or of faculties such as sight and memory, but as concerns his rational will (his 'will as controllable by reason').

Gist of Idea

Someone is a good person because of their rational will, not their body or memory

Source

Philippa Foot (Natural Goodness [2001], 5)

Book Reference

Foot,Philippa: 'Natural Goodness' [OUP 2003], p.66


A Reaction

She more or less agrees with Kant that the only truly good moral thing is a good will, though she has plenty of other criticisms of his views.