Single Idea 9261

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 1. Nature of Ethics / c. Purpose of ethics]

Full Idea

Reading the 'Ethics' is so disappointing, because Aristotle does not try to convince us that we really ought to do what our non-reflective consciousness has hitherto believed we ought to do.

Gist of Idea

The 'Ethics' is disappointing, because it fails to try to justify our duties

Source

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

Book Reference

Prichard,H.A.: 'Moral Writings' [OUP 2002], p.17


A Reaction

Aristotle didn't speak the language of 'duty' (see Idea 2172), but he could work it into his account if Prichard asked nicely. I take the truly virtuous person to be, above all, a wonderful citizen. Duties are contractual; good deeds flow from virtue.

Related Idea

Idea 2172 The modern idea of duty is unknown in archaic Greece [Williams,B]