2 Foot Flashcards
Why does Foot think virtues are beneficial to humans?
She thinks they don’t get on well without them. They are excellences of the will like strength and health are of the body.
What book did Foot write?
Virtues and vices
What did Foot say about humans not getting on well without virtues?
‘Nobody can get on well if he lacks courage and does not have some measure of temperance and wisdom’
What did Foot say about communities without virtues?
‘Communities where justice and charity are lacking are wretched places to live, as Russia was under the Stalinist terror or Sicily under the Mafia’
What does Foot think people should do with virtues?
Should force ourselves to take them like medicine.
What does Foot think about virtues in different situations
That depending on the situation, you could be acting more virtuous and shows greatest strength of character. Eg. a starving person not stealing is more virtuous and than a normal person. You need to consider the background.
What is Foot’s problem with VE?
Virtues such as wisdom, benefit oneself and others. Others, such as justice and charity might require self-sacrifice or doing something unpopular for justice. She feels VE is unresolved due to the problem of people being moral in their own interests.
What is Foot’s problem with VE and human nature?
‘The human nature behind traditional virtues and vices puts too much emphasis on hedonistic and sensual impulses, and doesn’t take into account less straightforward inclinations such as the desire to be put upon and dissatisfied.
What does Foot mean when talking about virtues?
She means moral virtues, whereas Aristotle also included the arts and excellence of the intellect.
What does Foot think virtues relate to?
Our innermost desires
What does Foot think virtues are a corrective for?
Temptations, the temptations for virtues to become deficient or excessive.
What might virtues do (relating to justice, charity etc.)
It might prompt us to act when we might not otherwise, as it’s easy to be attached to the good of ourselves but more demanding to be attached to good of others.
What questions might be asked when solving an ethical dilemma using Foot’s VE?
What temptation is involved? Does it relate to your desires? Are you attached to the good of yourself or others? What virtues can remedy your temptation? How is your background affecting your decision?
What did Foot believe about wisdom, contrary to Aristotle?
She thought it was achievable by any person who wants it as long as they’re able to form the desire to be wise. Ari thought some ore able to develop virtues (eg. a philosopher) Foot takes a libertarian view.
What did Foot believe about who can achieve wisdom, unlike Aristotle?
That it doesn’t depend on social status, political/intellectual power. Don’t have to be a man etc.
