Single Idea 109

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 1. Goodness / g. Consequentialism]

Full Idea

It is disputed whether the intentions or the actions have greater importance; …clearly the perfection of conduct will involve both.

Gist of Idea

Clearly perfect conduct will involve both good intention and good action

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1178a32)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.332


A Reaction

This seems right, so choosing one or the other as prior seems misguided. What to make of attempted murder? What of moral luck?