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Single Idea 4361

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

Full Idea

A good social animal is well fitted for 1) individual survival, 2) continuance of its species, 3) characteristic freedom from pain and enjoyment, and 4) good characteristic functioning of its social group.

Gist of Idea

Good animals can survive, breed, feel characteristic pleasure and pain, and contribute to the group

Source

Rosalind Hursthouse (On Virtue Ethics [1999], Ch.9)

Book Reference

Hursthouse,Rosalind: 'On Virtue Ethics' [OUP 2001], p.202


A Reaction

This feels right, but brings out the characteristic conservativism of virtue theory. A squirrel which can recite Shakespeare turns out to be immoral.