Modern scholars - Elizabeth Anscombe

Question 1

What impact did she have on VE?

Answer 1

triggered modern discussion about VE

Question 2

What did she believe about traditions and modern society?

Answer 2

modern society = dislocated from old tradition. As a result critical of modern moral thinking

Question 3

What did she believe about legalistic ethical systems?

Answer 3

problematic

Question 4

What did Anscombe believe morality should be based on instead of law / rules and why?

Answer 4

‘human flourishing’ - more practical

Question 5

What did she believe about ethical systems based on laws from God + quote?

Answer 5

outdated in an increasingly secular society

‘How can there be any moral laws if there is no God’

Question 6

Who did she believe was morally superior?

Answer 6

those who behave virtuously because they genuinely want to carry out that action = morally superior to someone who behaves virtuously out of duty - ‘human flourishing = more important than following laws / rules

Question 7

What did she argue about our view of right and wrong?

Answer 7

view of what is right and wrong should be held until we understand why we have that view

Question 8

What did she argue regarding doing things out of duty and why?

Answer 8

morally wrong - lacks compassion and kindness

Question 9

What did she state regarding the understanding of modern philosophers on the psychology of ethics?

Answer 9

don’t yet understand it

Question 10

What are the strengths of Anscombe’s arguments?

Answer 10

1) humans = naturally selfish - based on personal development
2) not specific to religion
3) adaptable modern approach

Question 11

What are the weaknesses of Anscombe’s arguments?

Answer 11

1) moving away from God - may not be able to survive as a society
2) moving away from God - alienates those who are religious
3) no laws - no order