Single Idea 4184

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

Full Idea

Virtue must spring from that intuitive knowledge which recognises in the individuality of others the same essence as in our own.

Gist of Idea

Virtue must spring from an intuitive recognition that other people are essentially like us

Source

Arthur Schopenhauer (The World as Will and Idea [1819], IV.66)

Book Reference

Schopenhauer,Arthur: 'The World as Will and Idea', ed/tr. Berman,Jill and David [Everyman 1995], p.230


A Reaction

After all his pessimism, he arrives at a view similar to Hume's, that morality is built on natural empathy. But why built a moral theory on one base. Everything points us towards morality! Moral actions are more beautiful.