Single Idea 269

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 1. Goodness / i. Moral luck]

Full Idea

An attempted murder should be treated like a successful one, but with respect shown for the luck which saved him from total ruin.

Gist of Idea

Attempted murder is like real murder, but we should respect the luck which avoided total ruin

Source

Plato (The Laws [c.349 BCE], 877a)

Book Reference

Plato: 'The Laws', ed/tr. Saunders,Trevor J [Penguin 1970], p.397


A Reaction

The earliest reference to moral luck, I think. 'Repect' sounds vague, but it is asking judges to 'take it into consideration', which is quite practical. Attempted murderers are just as dangerous.