more on this theme     |     more from this thinker

Single Idea 22340

[filed under theme 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / d. Teaching virtue ]

Full Idea

It is the historical, individual, nature of the virtues as actually exemplified which makes it difficult to learn goodness from another person.

Gist of Idea

It is hard to learn goodness from others, because their virtues are part of their personal history

Source

Iris Murdoch (The Sovereignty of Good [1970], I)

Book Ref

Murdoch,Iris: 'The Sovereignty of Good' [RKP 1974], p.30

A Reaction

A penetrating remark, which strikes me as true. When confronted with a virtuous person you might want to acquire their virtue, just as you might want them to teach you algebra, but their virtues are too bound up with their individuality.

The 15 ideas from 'The Sovereignty of Good'

22338 An unexamined life can be virtuous [Murdoch]
22337 Philosophy must keep returning to the beginning [Murdoch]
23563 Philosophy moves continually between elaborate theories and the obvious facts [Murdoch]
22343 If I attend properly I will have no choices [Murdoch]
22339 Love is a central concept in morals [Murdoch]
22341 Literature is the most important aspect of culture, because it teaches understanding of living [Murdoch]
22340 It is hard to learn goodness from others, because their virtues are part of their personal history [Murdoch]
22342 Kantian existentialists care greatly for reasons for action, whereas Surrealists care nothing [Murdoch]
22345 Moral philosophy needs a central concept with all the traditional attributes of God [Murdoch]
22346 Moral reflection and experience gradually reveals unity in the moral world [Murdoch]
22347 Appreciating beauty in art or nature opens up the good life, by restricting selfishness [Murdoch]
22348 Ordinary human love is good evidence of transcendent goodness [Murdoch]
22349 Art trains us in the love of virtue [Murdoch]
22350 Only trivial virtues can be possessed on their own [Murdoch]
22351 Only a philosopher might think choices create values [Murdoch]