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Ideas for 'works', 'On Virtue Ethics' and 'Moral Arguments'

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2 ideas

23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 1. Deontology
Deontologists do consider consequences, because they reveal when a rule might apply [Hursthouse]
     Full Idea: Though it is sometimes said that deontologists 'take no account of consequences', this is manifestly false, for many actions we deliberate about only fall under rules or principles when we bring in their predicted consequences.
     From: Rosalind Hursthouse (On Virtue Ethics [1999], Ch.1)
     A reaction: An important defence of deontology, which otherwise is vulnerable to the 'well-meaning fool' problem. It is no good having a good will, but refusing to think about consequences.
'Codifiable' morality give rules for decisions which don't require wisdom [Hursthouse]
     Full Idea: If morality is strongly 'codifiable', it should consist of rules which provide a decision procedure, and it should be equally applicable by the virtuous and the non-virtuous, without recourse to wisdom.
     From: Rosalind Hursthouse (On Virtue Ethics [1999], Ch.2)
     A reaction: A key idea. Religions want obedience, and Kant wants morality to be impersonal, and most people want morality which simple uneducated people can follow. And yet how can wisdom ever be irrelevant?