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Single Idea 4352

[from 'On Virtue Ethics' by Rosalind Hursthouse, in 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / c. Motivation for virtue ]

Full Idea

Acting virtuously, in the way the virtuous agent acts, namely from virtue, is sufficient for being 'morally motivated' or acting 'from a sense of duty'.

Gist of Idea

Performing an act simply because it is virtuous is sufficient to be 'morally motivated' or 'dutiful'

Source

Rosalind Hursthouse (On Virtue Ethics [1999], Ch.7)

Book Reference

Hursthouse,Rosalind: 'On Virtue Ethics' [OUP 2001], p.141


A Reaction

Fine, but it invites the question of WHY virtue is motivating, just as one can ask this of maximum happiness, or duty, or even satisfaction of selfish desires.