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Single Idea 24360

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 1. Virtue Theory / d. Virtue theory critique]

Full Idea

A virtuous human is a lower species because he is not a 'person', but rather he takes his value from conforming to a schema of the human that is set out once and for all.

Gist of Idea

The virtuous are not persons, because they conform to a fixed scheme for life

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (Fragments from 1886-87 (v 17) [1887], 10[085])

A Reaction

This is a standard objection to virtue theory - that it is too conservative, because the virtues are socially determined. I can't see why 'higher' beings can't develop their own virtues. The historical figures Nietzsche admires have distinctive virtues.

Book Reference

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'Fragments from 1886-87 (v 17)', ed/tr. Leiner, George H. [Stanford 2025], p.277