more from this thinker     |     more from this text


Single Idea 23433

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

Full Idea

A plant needs strong roots in the same way human beings need courage.

Gist of Idea

Humans need courage like a plant needs roots

Source

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

Book Ref

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


A Reaction

I'm not quite convince by the analogy, but I strongly agree with her basic approach.

Related Idea

Idea 5226 True courage is an appropriate response to a dangerous situation [Aristotle]


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]