Single Idea 4283

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

Full Idea

A person who lives by sympathy may undermine the moral order as effectively as the one who lives by crime.

Gist of Idea

Sympathy can undermine the moral order just as much as crime does

Source

Roger Scruton (Animal Rights and Wrongs [1996], p.54)

Book Reference

Scruton,Roger: 'Animal Rights and Wrongs' [Demos 1996], p.54


A Reaction

A slightly chilling remark. Presumably one should not feel too much for suffering which is deserved. What about unavoidable suffering? It is certainly important to see that some suffering is morally good (e.g. grief or remorse).