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Single Idea 22479

[filed under theme 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 3. Virtues / c. Justice ]

Full Idea

The teaching and observing of the rules of justice is as necessary a part of the life of human beings as hunting together in packs with a leader is a necessary part of the lives of wolves, or dancing part of the life of the dancing bee.

Gist of Idea

Observing justice is necessary to humans, like hunting to wolves or dancing to bees

Source

Philippa Foot (Rationality and Virtue [1994], p.168)

Book Ref

Foot,Philippa: 'Moral Dilemmas' [OUP 2002], p.168


A Reaction

So why are some men unjust? All wolves hunt, and all appropriate bees dance. A few men even thrive on injustice.


The 4 ideas from 'Rationality and Virtue'

Calling a knife or farmer or speech or root good does not involve attitudes or feelings [Foot]
The essential thing is the 'needs' of plants and animals, and their operative parts [Foot]
Observing justice is necessary to humans, like hunting to wolves or dancing to bees [Foot]
Possessing the virtue of justice disposes a person to good practical rationality [Foot]