more from Immanuel Kant

Single Idea 21418

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / j. Unity of virtue]

Full Idea

To think of several virtues (as one unavoidably does) is nothing other than to think of the various moral objects to which the will is led by the one principle of virtue.

Gist of Idea

There is one principle of virtues; the virtues are distinguished by their objects

Source

Immanuel Kant (Metaphysics of Morals II:Doctrine of Virtue [1797], 406 Intro XIII)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'The Metaphysics of Morals', ed/tr. Gregor,Mary [CUP 1991], p.207


A Reaction

So Kant commits to the Greek ideal of the unity of virtue - but not for Greek reasons. The unity of duty is what concerns Kant.

Related Idea

Idea 21417 How do we distinguish a mean? The extremes can involve quite different maxims [Kant]