Single Idea 4339

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / i. Absolute virtues]

Full Idea

According to virtue ethics, in a given situation two different agents may do what is right, what gets a tick of approval, despite the fact that each fails to do what the other did.

Gist of Idea

According to virtue ethics, two agents may respond differently, and yet both be right

Source

Rosalind Hursthouse (On Virtue Ethics [1999], Ch.3)

Book Reference

Hursthouse,Rosalind: 'On Virtue Ethics' [OUP 2001], p.69


A Reaction

You could certainly have great respect for two entirely different decisions about a medical dilemma, if they both showed integrity and good will, even if one had worse consequences than the other.