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Single Idea 23147

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

Full Idea

I deny the claim that good intentions are necessary for virtue.

Gist of Idea

Good intentions are not necessary for virtue

Source

Julia Driver (The Virtues and Human Nature [1996], 3)

Book Ref

'How Should One Live? On the Virtues', ed/tr. Crisp,Roger [OUP 1998], p.119

A Reaction

Presumably one could continually do the right thing, because it was your duty or your job, without actually being well motivated for it.

The 6 ideas from 'The Virtues and Human Nature'

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]