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Full Idea
In some people temperance is not a virtue, but is rather connected with timidity or with a grudging attitude to the acceptance of good things.
Gist of Idea
Temperance is not a virtue if it results from timidity or excessive puritanism
Source
Philippa Foot (Virtues and Vices [1978], III)
Book Ref
Foot,Philippa: 'Virtues and Vices' [Blackwell 1981], p.18
A Reaction
Timidity seems right. The grudging attitude may result from some larger doubts about pleasure, which could be plausible.
| 23145 | Virtues are intended to correct design flaws in human beings [Foot, by Driver] |
| 22400 | Courage overcomes the fears which should be overcome, and doesn't overvalue personal safety [Foot] |
| 22398 | Virtues are corrective, to resist temptation or strengthen motivation [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] |