Full Idea
Hardly anyone sees any difficulty in the thought that virtues may sometimes be displayed in bad actions. The courage of the villain can be spoken of as quite unproblematic.
Gist of Idea
Most people think virtues can be displayed in bad actions
Source
Philippa Foot (Virtues and Vices [1978], III)
Book Reference
Foot,Philippa: 'Virtues and Vices' [Blackwell 1981], p.15
A Reaction
She cites Peter Geach as a sole opponent of this view. The courage of the entire German army in WWII seems to fall into this category. The boldness of villains has to impress the virtuous but timid.