more on this theme
|
more from this text
Single Idea 8105
[filed under theme 28. God / A. Divine Nature / 6. Divine Morality / c. God is the good
]
Full Idea
If we exclude the idea of God, it is impossible to have an exact idea of virtue.
Gist of Idea
We can't exactly conceive virtue without the idea of God
Source
Joseph Joubert (Notebooks [1800], 1808)
Book Ref
Joubert,Joseph: 'Notebooks', ed/tr. Auster,Paul [nyrb 2005], p.130
A Reaction
I suspect that an 'exact' idea is impossible even with an idea of God. This is an interesting defence of the importance of God in moral thinking, but it only requires the concept of a supreme being, and not belief.
The
15 ideas
from Joseph Joubert
|
8093
|
Seek wisdom rather than truth; it is easier
[Joubert]
|
|
8094
|
The imagination has made more discoveries than the eye
[Joubert]
|
|
8095
|
We must think with our entire body and soul
[Joubert]
|
|
8096
|
He gives his body up to pleasure, but not his soul
[Joubert]
|
|
8097
|
Virtue is hard if we are scorned; we need support
[Joubert]
|
|
8099
|
The truths of reason instruct, but they do not illuminate
[Joubert]
|
|
8098
|
Truth consists of having the same idea about something that God has
[Joubert]
|
|
8101
|
To know is to see inside oneself
[Joubert]
|
|
8100
|
Where does the bird's idea of a nest come from?
[Joubert]
|
|
8103
|
A thought is as real as a cannon ball
[Joubert]
|
|
8102
|
We cannot speak against Christianity without anger, or speak for it without love
[Joubert]
|
|
8104
|
What will you think of pleasures when you no longer enjoy them?
[Joubert]
|
|
8105
|
We can't exactly conceive virtue without the idea of God
[Joubert]
|
|
8106
|
In raising a child we must think of his old age
[Joubert]
|
|
8107
|
The love of certainty holds us back in metaphysics
[Joubert]
|