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Anscombe's Moral Philosophy: A Comprehensive Guide

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Anscombe's Moral Philosophy

by Duncan Richter

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	190 pages

G.E.M. Anscombe was one of the most influential moral philosophers of the 20th century. Her work has had a profound impact on the development of ethics, and her ideas continue to be debated and discussed today.

Anscombe's philosophy is characterized by its clarity, rigor, and originality. She was a master of logical analysis, and she used her skills to develop a number of new and important insights into the nature of morality.

This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of Anscombe's moral philosophy. We will begin by discussing her account of intention, which is central to her understanding of morality. We will then examine her views on action, virtue, and the nature of moral judgment.

Intention

For Anscombe, intention is the key to understanding morality. She argues that an action is only morally significant if it is done with the intention of ng what is right.

Anscombe distinguishes between two types of intention: primary intention and secondary intention. Primary intention is the intention that is directly responsible for the action. Secondary intention is the intention that is not directly responsible for the action, but which is nevertheless present in the agent's mind at the time of the action.

For example, if I intend to help a friend by giving them money, my primary intention is to help my friend. However, I may also have a secondary intention of making myself feel good about myself. The secondary intention is not directly responsible for the action, but it is nevertheless present in my mind at the time of the action.

Anscombe argues that only actions that are done with the primary intention of ng what is right are morally significant. Actions that are done with a secondary intention of ng what is right are not morally significant, even if the action itself is objectively good.

Action

Anscombe's account of action is closely related to her account of intention. She argues that an action is only a genuine action if it is done with the intention of ng something.

Anscombe distinguishes between two types of action: intentional action and unintentional action. Intentional action is action that is done with the intention of ng something. Unintentional action is action that is not done with the intention of ng something.

For example, if I intend to raise my hand, my action is an intentional action. However, if I raise my hand without intending to do so, my action is an unintentional action.

Anscombe argues that only intentional actions are morally significant. Unintentional actions are not morally significant, even if the action itself is objectively good or bad.

Virtue

Anscombe's account of virtue is also closely related to her account of intention and action. She argues that a virtue is a disposition to act in accordance with right intention.

Anscombe identifies a number of different virtues, including courage, temperance, justice, and wisdom. She argues that these virtues are essential for living a good life.

Anscombe's account of virtue has been influential in the development of contemporary virtue ethics. Virtue ethics is a moral theory that emphasizes the importance of character and virtue in moral life.

Moral Judgment

Anscombe's account of moral judgment is based on her account of intention, action, and virtue. She argues that moral judgments are made by considering the intention of the agent, the action that was performed, and the virtues that were involved.

Anscombe distinguishes between two types of moral judgments: objective moral judgments and subjective moral judgments. Objective moral judgments are judgments that are made about the objective rightness or wrongness of an action. Subjective moral judgments are judgments that are made about the subjective rightness or wrongness of an action for a particular agent.

Anscombe argues that objective moral judgments are based on the intention of the agent and the action that was performed. Subjective moral judgments are based on the intention of the agent, the action that was performed, and the virtues that were involved.

Anscombe's moral philosophy is characterized by its clarity, rigor, and originality. She was a master of logical analysis, and she used her skills to develop a number of new and important insights into the nature of morality.

This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of Anscombe's moral philosophy. We have discussed her account of intention, action, virtue, and moral judgment. We have also seen how her ideas have influenced the development of contemporary moral philosophy.

Anscombe's Moral Philosophy

by Duncan Richter

4 out of 5