more from John Locke

Single Idea 12515

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 1. Virtue Theory / b. Basis of virtue]

Full Idea

It is not thought strange that men everywhere should give the name of virtue to those actions which amongst them are judged praiseworthy.

Gist of Idea

Actions are virtuous if they are judged praiseworthy

Source

John Locke (Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed) [1694], 2.28.10)

Book Reference

Locke,John: 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding', ed/tr. Nidditch,P.H. [OUP 1979], p.353


A Reaction

Wrong. Being very successful in sport is considered praiseworthy, but not virtuous. We praise actions because they are virtuous, so the virtue cannot be constituted merely by the praise.