3 ideas
9284 | Reasons are 'internal' if they give a person a motive to act, but 'external' otherwise [Williams,B] |
Full Idea: Someone has 'internal reasons' to act when the person has some motive which will be served or furthered by the action; if this turns out not to be so, the reason is false. Reasons are 'external' when there is no such condition. | |
From: Bernard Williams (Internal and External Reasons [1980], p.101) | |
A reaction: [compressed] An external example given is a family tradition of joining the army, if the person doesn't want to. Williams says (p.111) external reason statements are actually false, and a misapplication of the concept of a 'reason to act'. See Idea 8815. |
468 | Musical performance can reveal a range of virtues [Damon of Ath.] |
Full Idea: In singing and playing the lyre, a boy will be likely to reveal not only courage and moderation, but also justice. | |
From: Damon (fragments/reports [c.460 BCE], B4), quoted by (who?) - where? |
3804 | Darwin's idea was the best idea ever [Dennett] |
Full Idea: If I were to give an award for the single best idea anyone has ever had, I'd give it to Darwin. | |
From: Daniel C. Dennett (Darwin's Dangerous Idea [1995], §1.1) |