2 Other VE Flashcards
Why did Anscombe challenge teleological and deontological ethical theories?
They were both preoccupied with a law conception of ethics which takes no account of the emotions of moral psychology.
What paper did Anscombe write?
Modern Moral Philosophy
What did Anscombe say about the concepts of moral obligation and duty?
‘The concepts of moral obligation and moral duty, and what is morally right and wrong, and the moral sense of ‘ought’ ought to be jettisoned.’
What did Anscombe say it would be a great improvement to say instead of ‘morally wrong’
‘untruthful’ ‘unchaste’ ‘unjust’
What did Anscombe think about thinking about ethics in terms of obligations to rules?
It was no longer necessary as people no longer believe in a law giver such as God.
What did Anscombe say would be a benefit of ‘no longer asking why doing something was wrong’
‘We should ask whether it was eg. unjust and the answer would become clear at once’
What is Annas’ problem with VE?
‘There is a harmful attitude of romantic nostalgia: the feeling that it would be nicer if we could shed the problem-era we have and go back to a very different set of problems. Like much nostalgia this is misplaced.’
What is Louden’s problem with VE’s ambiguity?
It doesn’t provide answers to specific moral dilemmas such as eithanasia, nor does it provide a list of intolerable acts that we might want to condemn outright, such as murder.
What is Louden’s problem with VE for people?
External acts that appear virtuous might have doubtful inner motives that can’t be percieved, or vice versa.
What did Anscombe think of teleological and deontological ethics?
They are useless in this century.
What is Anscombe’s ethical system like?
Try to emulate good people, doesn’t rely on reason and everyone’s reason is different, doesn’t need God/natural law to say something’s good
Is VE qualitative or quantitative?
Qualitative (unlike eg. Utilitarianism)
Arguments for/against friendship being the most important aspect of human nature?
For: Aristotle says friendship highest virtue.
Friendship essential for a community (Ar, Mac).
Against: concept of soul more important.
Some virtues might have to override.
Might not make impartial decision.
What did Franklin, a utilitarian virtue ethicist, think?
In the principle of utility (greatest good for greatest no. but thought the best way to bring greatest good was by developing the virtues.
What does Nussbaum say about Aristotle’s virtues?
That they are absolutes - justice, temperance, generosity are elements of human flourishing for all societies throughout time. She find the relativist approach incompatible with Aristotle.
