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Single Idea 23894

[filed under theme 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / e. Character ]

Full Idea

We cannot pose a moral problem without putting the concept of character at its centre.

Gist of Idea

The concept of character is at the centre of morality

Source

Simone Weil (On the Concept of Character [1941], p.98)

Book Ref

Weil,Simone: 'Late Philosophical Writings' [Notre Dame 2015], p.98


A Reaction

The question for Aristotle (which I derive from Philippa Foot) is whether moral goodness simply is good character, or whether it is the actions (or even the consequences). Weil is close to modern virtue theory here.


The 4 ideas from 'On the Concept of Character'

We see our character as a restricting limit, but also as an unshakable support [Weil]
The concept of character is at the centre of morality [Weil]
We don't see character in a single moment, but only over a period of time [Weil]
We modify our character by placing ourselves in situations, or by attending to what seems trivial [Weil]