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Single Idea 23432

[filed under theme 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / k. Ethics from nature ]

Full Idea

There are concepts which apply only to living things, considered in their own right, which would include function, welfare, flourishing, interests and the good of something.

Gist of Idea

Concepts such as function, welfare, flourishing and interests only apply to living things

Source

Philippa Foot (Interview with Philippa Foot [2003], p.33)

Book Ref

-: 'Philosophy Now' [-], p.33


A Reaction

This is a very Aristotelian view, with which I entirely agree. The central concept is function.


The 11 ideas with the same theme [stoic view of learning how to live from nature]:

Zeno said live in agreement with nature, which accords with virtue [Zeno of Citium, by Diog. Laertius]
Since we are essentially rational animals, living according to reason is living according to nature [Zeno of Citium, by Diog. Laertius]
Only nature is available to guide action and virtue [Chrysippus]
The goal is rationality in the selection of things according to nature [Diogenes of Babylon, by Blank]
Nothing is evil which is according to nature [Aurelius]
Nature is totally indifferent, so you should try to be different from it, not live by it [Nietzsche]
Humans need courage like a plant needs roots [Foot]
Concepts such as function, welfare, flourishing and interests only apply to living things [Foot]
Moral judgements need more than the relevant facts, if the same facts lead to 'x is good' and 'x is bad' [Foot]
Virtues are as necessary to humans as stings are to bees [Foot]
Sterility is a human defect, but the choice to be childless is not [Foot]