Single Idea 9259

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 2. Duty]

Full Idea

The relation involved in an obligation need not be a relation to another at all. Thus we should admit that there is an obligation to overcome our natural timidity or greediness, and this involves no relations to others.

Gist of Idea

We feel obligations to overcome our own failings, and these are not relations to other people

Source

H.A. Prichard (Does moral phil rest on a mistake? [1912])

Book Reference

Prichard,H.A.: 'Moral Writings' [OUP 2002], p.13


A Reaction

An interesting un-Aristotelian and individualistic view of virtue. Why would we want to rid ourselves of timidity or greediness? Either it is self-interested, or we wish to be better citizens. See Richard Taylor on duty.