Single Idea 20197

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 3. Virtues / d. Courage]

Full Idea

In the case of a courageous Nazi soldier, my position is that a virtue is worth having even in those cases in which it makes a person worse overall.

Gist of Idea

The courage of an evil person is still a quality worth having

Source

Linda Trinkaus Zagzebski (Virtues of the Mind [1996], II 2.2)

Book Reference

Zagzebski,Linda: 'Virtues of the Mind' [CUP 1996], p.93


A Reaction

A brave claim, which seems right. If a nasty Nazi reforms, they will at least have one good quality which can be put to constructive use.