Single Idea 55

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

Full Idea

Some people who perform just acts are still not just (for example, if the good act is done unwillingly or ignorantly).

Clarification

'Justice' is the Greek word 'dikaiosuné', which is also general moral rightness

Gist of Idea

People who perform just acts unwillingly or ignorantly are still not just

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1144a10)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.222


A Reaction

This is because virtue must be an 'activity of the soul'. The thought seems to be that the truly good action involves the commitment of the whole agent, not just a part of them.

Related Idea

Idea 34 The good for man is an activity of soul in accordance with virtue [Aristotle]