Single Idea 23149

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 3. Virtues / a. Virtues]

Full Idea

If generosity towards the needy in the long run produced [social] parasites, and if generosity did this systematically, then it would not be a moral virtue.

Gist of Idea

If generosity systematically turned recipients into parasites, it wouldn't be a virtue

Source

Julia Driver (The Virtues and Human Nature [1996], 5)

Book Reference

'How Should One Live? On the Virtues', ed/tr. Crisp,Roger [OUP 1998], p.125


A Reaction

A very persuasive example. Hume has similar views - that we encourage those emotions which have good social outcomes.

Related Idea

Idea 22522 To grasp something, trace it back to its natural origins [Aristotle]