more on this theme | more from this thinker
Full Idea
Some actions are in accordance with virtue without requiring virtue for their performance, whereas others are both in accordance with virtue and such as to show possession of a virtue.
Gist of Idea
Actions can be in accordance with virtue, but without actually being virtuous
Source
Philippa Foot (Virtues and Vices [1978], p.13)
Book Ref
Foot,Philippa: 'Virtues and Vices' [Blackwell 1981], p.13
A Reaction
She cites the case of an honest trader, who is honest because of self-interest. She is disentangling Kant from his daft idea that only dutiful (and reluctant) actions are virtuous. Kant was only thinking of 'in accordance' cases.
23145 | Virtues are intended to correct design flaws in human beings [Foot, by Driver] |
22398 | Virtues are corrective, to resist temptation or strengthen motivation [Foot] |
22400 | Courage overcomes the fears which should be overcome, and doesn't overvalue personal safety [Foot] |
22402 | Most people think virtues can be displayed in bad actions [Foot] |
22403 | Temperance is not a virtue if it results from timidity or excessive puritanism [Foot] |
22401 | Actions can be in accordance with virtue, but without actually being virtuous [Foot] |
22396 | We take courage, temperance, wisdom and justice as moral, but Aristotle takes wisdom as intellectual [Foot] |
22397 | Wisdom is open to all, and not just to the clever or well trained [Foot] |