more on this theme | more from this thinker
Full Idea
The behavioural aspects of virtue are more important than its phenomenology, because virtue is best defined along consequentialist lines.
Clarification
The phenomenology is the states of mind involved
Gist of Idea
Virtue should be defined by consequences, not by states of mind
Source
Julia Driver (The Virtues and Human Nature [1996], Intro)
Book Ref
'How Should One Live? On the Virtues', ed/tr. Crisp,Roger [OUP 1998], p.111
A Reaction
This is the thesis of her paper. Quite persuasive. Consequences are, of course, important in all moral theories (even Kant's). She doesn't rely on human nature. The social virtues vary according to the circumstances, such as gossiping in wartime.
23144 | Virtue should be defined by consequences, not by states of mind [Driver] |
23148 | Virtues are character traits or dispositions which produce good consequences for others [Driver] |
23146 | Motives produce intentions, which lead to actions [Driver] |
23147 | Good intentions are not necessary for virtue [Driver] |
23150 | Control of pregnancy and knowledge of paternity have downgraded chastity [Driver] |
23149 | If generosity systematically turned recipients into parasites, it wouldn't be a virtue [Driver] |