Single Idea 3925

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

Full Idea

Personal Merit consists altogether in the possession of mental qualities, useful or agreeable to the person himself or to others.

Gist of Idea

Personal Merit is the possession of useful or agreeable mental qualities

Source

David Hume (Enquiry concerning Principles of Morals [1751], IX.I.217)

Book Reference

Hume,David: 'Enquiries Conc. Human Understanding, Morals', ed/tr. Selby-Bigge/Nidditch [OUP 1975], p.269


A Reaction

If pleasure and utility can be intrinsically valuable, why can't virtue be as well?