Single Idea 23145

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

Full Idea

A popular view (expressed by Philippa Foot) is that the virtues work to 'correct' for the baser human impulses and motives. …Virtues are solutions to design flaws in human beings.

Gist of Idea

Virtues are intended to correct design flaws in human beings

Source

report of Philippa Foot (Virtues and Vices [1978]) by Julia Driver - The Virtues and Human Nature 1

Book Reference

'How Should One Live? On the Virtues', ed/tr. Crisp,Roger [OUP 1998], p.112


A Reaction

Quite a plausible thought. Not so much design flaws, though, as natural traits of character that suited hunter gatherers but not modern cosmopolitan capitalists. Driver disagrees.

Related Idea

Idea 22518 The actual must be possible, because it occurred [Aristotle]