Contents
Philippa Foot
Introducing the trolley problem and reshaping debates about moral character.
The Problem of Abortion and the Doctrine of the Double Effect · Virtues and Vices
- Born
- 3 October 1920
- Birthplace
- United Kingdom
- Died
- 3 October 2010
More people
Philippa Foot
Philippa Foot was a philosopher who argued that morality is connected to human life and flourishing. Her work helped renew interest in virtues while questioning fashionable theories of ethics.
Early life
Education
Was taught at home before preparing for Oxford through a correspondence course and coaching.
Oxford
Studied philosophy, politics and economics at Somerville College.
Career
- 1947
Teaching
Returned to Somerville as a philosophy lecturer.
- 1967
Trolley problem
Published the thought experiment in an essay on moral responsibility.
- 1976
UCLA
Took a permanent philosophy post in Los Angeles.
- 2001
Natural Goodness
Published her mature account of ethics after retirement.
Selected work
The Problem of Abortion and the Doctrine of the Double Effect
Examined intention, harm and responsibility.
Virtues and Vices
Collected influential essays in moral philosophy.
Natural Goodness
Connected moral judgement with human needs and capacities.
Beyond work
Relief work
Supported Oxfam from its early postwar years.
Family
Was married to military historian M. R. D. Foot; they later separated.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Biography and career evidence ↗Photo: Somerville College, Oxford. Source credit; rights retained by the respective holder · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.