Single Idea 4354

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / j. Unity of virtue]

Full Idea

I am prepare to stick my neck out and say that extreme Nazis or racists (say) have poisoned characters to such an extent that none of their character traits could ever count as a virtue.

Gist of Idea

Maybe in a deeply poisoned character none of their milder character traits could ever be a virtue

Source

Rosalind Hursthouse (On Virtue Ethics [1999], Ch.7)

Book Reference

Hursthouse,Rosalind: 'On Virtue Ethics' [OUP 2001], p.147


A Reaction

Hard to justify, but it is hard to respect a mass murderer because they seem to love their dog or the beauty of music or flowers. They can't possibly appreciate the Platonic Form of love or beauty?