more on this theme     |     more from this thinker     |     more from this text


Single Idea 21413

[filed under theme 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 1. Virtue Theory / a. Nature of virtue ]

Full Idea

Virtue is the strength of man's maxims in fulfilling his duty.

Gist of Idea

Virtue is strong maxims for duty

Source

Immanuel Kant (Metaphysics of Morals II:Doctrine of Virtue [1797], 394 Intro IX)

Book Ref

Kant,Immanuel: 'The Metaphysics of Morals', ed/tr. Gregor,Mary [CUP 1991], p.197


A Reaction

So virtue is just strong moral commitment. So what are we to make of the lists of distinctive virtues, found in every culture? How do they differ? Only in the areas of duty to which they refer? How do we possess some virtues without others?