Though we think intrinsic desires tend to be pretty…
“Though we think intrinsic desires tend to be pretty stable, we do not think they imply anything like the amount of predictability in behavior that traditional virtue ethics requires for someone to have a one-word-in-English character trait such as "benevolence". Other things being equal, a person with more of a desire for other people's wellbeing will do more for other people's wellbeing, but things are almost never equal.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Desires are relatively stable but do not guarantee consistent behavior enough to define a single character trait like benevolence.
In simple terms: Desires are stable but not enough for a fixed trait.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the gap between desire and reliable action.
Themes
virtue ethics
psychology
character
stability
prediction
Mood
reflective
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
theoretical
When to use this quote
- ethical decision making
- personal development
- leadership evaluation
- relationship counseling
Key Concepts
moral psychology
character formation
desire-behavior link
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we assess character beyond expressed desires?
- What mechanisms ensure stable moral behavior?
A Different Perspective
Desires may be strong yet produce inconsistent actions due to varying circumstances.