Single Idea 23099

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / e. Character]

Full Idea

Liberals deny the reflexivity of evil, …to prevent the evil consequences of an agent's morally deplorable actions from redounding to their detriment. Evil actions are allowed to reflect on their agents only if the agents cause them autonomously.

Gist of Idea

It is said that if an agent is not autonomous then their evil actions don't reflect on their character

Source

John Kekes (Against Liberalism [1997], 03.5)

Book Reference

Kekes,John: 'Against Liberalism' [Cornell 1997], p.68


A Reaction

A central question of morality is essentialising character. That is, when does an eater of carrots become a carrot-eater? When does a performer of wicked deeds become a wicked person? Never, say many liberals. Wrong, says Kekes.