Single Idea 6194

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 1. Virtue Theory / a. Nature of virtue]

Full Idea

The highest worth which human beings can and should procure for themselves lies in dispositions and not in actions only.

Gist of Idea

The highest worth for human beings lies in dispositions, not just actions

Source

Immanuel Kant (Critique of Practical Reason [1788], I.1.II)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'Critique of Practical Reason (Third edition)', ed/tr. Beck,Lewis White [Library of Liberal Arts 1993], p.74


A Reaction

This leaves the problem of the well-meaning fool, who has wonderful dispositions but poor judgement. What Kant is describing here is better known as virtue. See Idea 58.

Related Idea

Idea 58 If virtues are not feelings or faculties, then they must be dispositions [Aristotle]