Single Idea 22502

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / F. Existentialism / 7. Existential Action]

Full Idea

If a stranger should come on us when we are sleeping he will not think it all right to kill us. …In human life as it is, this kind of action is not made good by authenticity or self-fulfilment in the one who does it.

Gist of Idea

Refraining from murder is not made good by authenticity or self-fulfilment

Source

Philippa Foot (Natural Goodness [2001], 7)

Book Reference

Foot,Philippa: 'Natural Goodness' [OUP 2003], p.114


A Reaction

A rare swipe from Foot at existentialism, which she hardly ever mentions. I find it hard to see these existential virtues as in any way moral. It means nothing to other citizens whether one of their number is 'authentic'.