Single Idea 4365

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / A. Basis of a State / 1. A People / a. Human distinctiveness]

Full Idea

Our characteristic way of going on, which distinguishes us from all the other species of animals, is a rational way, which is any way we can rightly see as good, as something we have reason to do.

Gist of Idea

We are distinct from other animals in behaving rationally - pursuing something as good, for reasons

Source

Rosalind Hursthouse (On Virtue Ethics [1999], Ch10)

Book Reference

Hursthouse,Rosalind: 'On Virtue Ethics' [OUP 2001], p.222


A Reaction

Some people more than others, and none of us all the time. Romantics see rationality as a restraint on the authentic emotional and animal life. 'Be a good animal'. However, I agree.