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Full Idea
If we focus on the evaluation of character traits, voluntariness becomes less important. We would not withdraw our admiration for a person only because we found out that his or her being such a person was not a result of voluntary choice.
Gist of Idea
We may still admire a person's character even if the traits are involuntary
Source
Daniel Statman (Introduction to Virtue Ethics [1997], §3)
Book Ref
'Virtue Ethics', ed/tr. Statman,Daniel [Edinburgh 1997], p.14
A Reaction
The need for voluntariness does not disappear. I would not admire the only generous deed you had ever performed if it was the result of hypnotism. I might admire the hypnotist. Nevertheless, I regard this idea as a crucial truth in moral theory.
| 7093 | Behaviour may be disgusting or inhumane, but violate no duty [Statman] |
| 7095 | Moral education is better by concrete example than abstract principle [Statman] |
| 7094 | Friends express friendship even when no utility is involved [Statman] |
| 7096 | We may still admire a person's character even if the traits are involuntary [Statman] |
| 7098 | There is a new sort of moral scepticism, about the possibility of moral theories [Statman] |
| 7099 | With a broad concept of flourishing, it might be possible without the virtues [Statman] |
| 7100 | Virtue theory isn't a genuine ethical theory, because it doesn't have universal application [Statman] |
| 7102 | Promises create moral duties that have nothing to do with character [Statman] |
| 7103 | Abortion issues focus on the mother's right over her body, and the status of the foetus [Statman] |
| 7104 | The ancients recognised imperfect duties, but we have added perfect duties like justice [Statman] |