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Single Idea 5217

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / h. Right feelings]

Full Idea

There are some things at which we actually ought to feel angry, and others that we actually ought to desire - health, for instance, and learning.

Gist of Idea

At times we ought to feel angry, and we ought to desire health and learning

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1111a29)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.115


A Reaction

This is obviously an important part of virtue theory. Other theories are inclined to take our feelings as a given, and then offer rules for controlling and directing them. Emphasis on character can involve re-educating bad desires.