Single Idea 21093

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 4. External Goods / d. Friendship]

Full Idea

A man who is only susceptible of friendship, without public spirit or a regard to the community, is deficient in the most material part of virtue.

Gist of Idea

Friendship without community spirit misses out on the main part of virtue

Source

David Hume (That Politics may be reduced to a Science [1750], p.21)

Book Reference

Hume,David: 'Selected Essays' [OUP 1996], p.21


A Reaction

I think this is aimed at the epicureans. If the highest virtues are focused on one's friends that can easily lead to injustice, because it can tolerate prejudice against people who are very unlike one's friends.