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Which of the following is covered within the scope of our judgments about vice and virtue, according to Sayre-McCord?

a. Only people who live in glass houses.
b. Only things that potentially stand in a causal relationship with our own lives.
c. Only things that will affect what we're concerned about.
d. People who are in far distant places.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Our judgments about vice and virtue encompass things that are causally related to our lives, reflecting our actions' relational impact and our moral character's importance. The 'human dance' of social interactions shapes our understanding of virtue, aligning with normative theories focused on consequences, rules, and inherent virtue.

Step-by-step explanation:

b. Only things that potentially stand in a causal relationship with our own lives.

According to Sayre-McCord, our judgments about vice and virtue are covered within the scope of things that potentially stand in a causal relationship with our own lives. This concept aligns with the understanding that our actions have an impact beyond immediate circumstances and touch upon the social relationships and roles we partake in.

Our character, shaped by actions within these relational spheres, becomes a measure of our virtue. Just as Socrates believed a corrupted soul is worse than physical harm, we see that moral character holds supreme importance. This is supported by the reflection that upon life review, one often doesn't perceive wealth as crucial as having lived virtuously.

The relational aspect of virtue necessitates an understanding of the 'human dance,' which includes the complex practices and relationships defining our social life. Normative theorists have addressed this by focusing on behavioral consequences, moral rules, or the inherent virtue of individuals.

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