
In Our Time: Philosophy
Philippa Foot
Jun 13, 2024
In this discussion, Anil Gomes, Sophie Grace Chappell, and Rachael Wiseman delve into the life and impact of Philippa Foot, a pivotal 20th-century philosopher. They explore Foot's challenge to the subjective moral landscape of her time, advocating for objective moral truths rooted in virtue ethics. The conversation touches on her influential ideas about the Trolley Problem and ethical distinctions in applied ethics, particularly around euthanasia. Foot's intellectual journey from privilege to profound ethical insight reveals her lasting legacy in moral philosophy.
58:12
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Philippa Foot challenged the idea that moral values are merely subjective, advocating for an objective basis for ethical judgments in human flourishing.
- She emphasized the importance of virtues as essential elements for living a fulfilling life, likening them to necessities for plants.
Deep dives
Philippa Foot's Philosophical Journey
Philippa Foot, a prominent philosopher of the 20th century, was deeply influenced by the ethical discussions of her time, particularly concerning the nature of morality. Her background in a privileged yet educationally sparse environment led her to Oxford, where she engaged with significant thinkers like Donald MacKinnon and contemporaries such as Iris Murdoch and Elizabeth Anscombe. Foot questioned the then-dominant view that ethical judgments were subjective and separated from factual reality. This foundation propelled her lifelong inquiry into the necessity of moral virtue for human flourishing, akin to how plants require essential elements to thrive.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.