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Single Idea 22462

[from 'Utilitarianism and the Virtues' by Philippa Foot, in 3. Truth / A. Truth Problems / 3. Value of Truth ]

Full Idea

There belongs to truthfulness not only the avoidance of lying but also that other kind of attachment to truth which has to do with its preservation and pursuit.

Gist of Idea

We should speak the truth, but also preserve and pursue it

Source

Philippa Foot (Utilitarianism and the Virtues [1985], p.74)

Book Reference

Foot,Philippa: 'Moral Dilemmas' [OUP 2002], p.74


A Reaction

This is truth as a value, rather than as a mere phenomenon of accurate thought and speech. The importance of 'preserving' the truth is the less common part of this idea.