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Single Idea 3542

[filed under theme 23. Ethics / E. Utilitarianism / 1. Utilitarianism ]

Full Idea

Why should I want to maximise my acting courageously? I act courageously when it is required.

Gist of Idea

We should do good when necessary, not maximise it

Source

Julia Annas (The Morality of Happiness [1993], 1)

Book Ref

Annas,Julia: 'The Morality of Happiness' [OUP 1995], p.38


The 8 ideas from 'The Morality of Happiness'

Ancient ethics uses attractive notions, not imperatives [Annas]
We should do good when necessary, not maximise it [Annas]
Cyrenaics pursue pleasure, but don't equate it with happiness [Annas]
'Phronesis' should translate as 'practical intelligence', not as prudence [Annas]
Epicureans achieve pleasure through character development [Annas]
Principles cover life as a whole, where rules just cover actions [Annas]
Virtue theory tries to explain our duties in terms of our character [Annas]
If excessively good actions are admirable but not required, then duty isn't basic [Annas]