Single Idea 20207

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 1. Virtue Theory / a. Nature of virtue]

Full Idea

Being reasonably intelligent within a certain area of life is part of having almost any moral virtue.

Gist of Idea

Every moral virtue requires a degree of intelligence

Source

Linda Trinkaus Zagzebski (Virtues of the Mind [1996], II 3.1)

Book Reference

Zagzebski,Linda: 'Virtues of the Mind' [CUP 1996], p.149


A Reaction

The fact that this bars persons of very limited intelligence from acquiring the Aristotelian virtues is one of the attractions of the Christian enjoinder to merely achieve 'love'. Anyone can have a warm heart. So is virtue elitist?