more from Harry G. Frankfurt

Single Idea 9227

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 2. Happiness / d. Routes to happiness]

Full Idea

People who are scrupulously moral may nonetheless be destined by deficiencies of character or of constitution to lead lives that no reasonable person would freely choose.

Gist of Idea

We might not choose a very moral life, if the character or constitution was deficient

Source

Harry G. Frankfurt (The Reasons of Love [2005], 1.2)

Book Reference

Frankfurt,Harry G.: 'The Reasons of Love' [Princeton 2006], p.6


A Reaction

This fairly firmly refutes any Greek dream that all there is to happiness is leading a virtuous life. Frankfurt is with Aristotle more than with the Stoics. It would be tempting to sacrifice virtue to get a sunny character and good health.