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Single Idea 4359

[from 'On Virtue Ethics' by Rosalind Hursthouse, in 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 1. Virtue Theory / a. Nature of virtue ]

Full Idea

If you think about bringing up children to prepare them for life, rather than converting the wicked or convincing the moral sceptic, isn't virtue the most reliable bet?

Gist of Idea

When it comes to bringing up children, most of us think that the virtues are the best bet

Source

Rosalind Hursthouse (On Virtue Ethics [1999], Ch.8)

Book Reference

Hursthouse,Rosalind: 'On Virtue Ethics' [OUP 2001], p.176


A Reaction

A very convincing idea. They haven't the imagination to grasp consequences properly, or sufficient abstract thought to grasp principles, or the political cunning to negotiate contracts, but they can grasp ideals of what a good person is like.