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


Single Idea 5072

[filed under theme 23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 2. Duty ]

Full Idea

In keeping with what was generally assumed in their culture, Stoics thought obligations are determined by role or function.

Gist of Idea

For Stoics, obligations are determined by social role

Source

comment on Stoic school (fragments/reports [c.200 BCE]) by Richard Taylor - Virtue Ethics: an Introduction Ch.8

Book Ref

Taylor,Richard: 'Virtue Ethics: an Introduction' [Prometheus 2002], p.48


A Reaction

We still recognise our obligations as partly in what-we-are-paid-to-do, but that is a contractual obligation. We also accept obligations arising from a family role, such as 'parent'. We are merely no longer impressed by traditional aristocratic hierarchy.