Single Idea 21742

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 1. Virtue Theory / b. Basis of virtue]

Full Idea

Historically, virtue consisted at first of obedience to authority, whether that of the gods, the government, or custom.

Gist of Idea

Originally virtue was obedience, to gods, government, or custom

Source

Bertrand Russell (An Outline of Philosophy [1927], Ch 22)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'An Outline of Philosophy' [Routledge 1979], p.181


A Reaction

Russell proceeds to demolish such a theory, which he finds it fairly easy to do. In Nietzsche's terms, he is only describing slave virtue. Each role in the world has its own virtues (and functions). Which gods are the most virtuous?