Philippa Foot

Philippa Ruth Foot (3 October 1911 – 3 October 2010) was a British philosopher known for her works in ethics and moral philosophy. She was a prominent figure in the development of virtue ethics and is best known for introducing the trolley problem, a thought experiment in moral philosophy.

Early Life and Education

Philippa Foot was born in Owston Ferry, Lincolnshire, England. She was the daughter of Esther Cleveland, the daughter of U.S. President Grover Cleveland, and Captain William Sidney Bence Bosanquet. Foot was educated at Somerville College, Oxford, where she studied philosophy, politics, and economics.

Academic Career

Foot began her academic career at Oxford University, where she became a fellow of Somerville College. Her work focused on ethics, and she was instrumental in reviving interest in virtue ethics, a tradition that dates back to Aristotle.

Contributions to Philosophy

Foot's contributions to moral philosophy include her critique of consequentialism and deontology, and her development of virtue ethics. She argued that moral virtues are essential to human life and that they are grounded in human nature.

The Trolley Problem

Foot is perhaps best known for the trolley problem, a thought experiment that explores the ethical implications of making decisions that affect the lives of others. The problem has been widely discussed and has inspired numerous variations and discussions in moral philosophy.

Legacy

Philippa Foot's work has had a lasting impact on the field of ethics and continues to influence contemporary discussions in moral philosophy. Her emphasis on the importance of virtue and her critique of utilitarianism and Kantian ethics have made her a central figure in modern ethical theory.

See Also

• Virtue ethics
• Trolley problem
• Moral philosophy
• Consequentialism
• Deontology

References

• Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy entry on Philippa Foot
• Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy

External Links

• [Philippa Foot at the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/philippa-foot/)
• [Philippa Foot at the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy](https://iep.utm.edu/foot/)