2 Strengths and Weakness of VE Flashcards
Why is the holistic view of human nature a strength of VE?
VE is holistic, emotions are not ignored (unlike Kant who believes things should be done with duty/no emotion) eudaimonia is the final goal.
Why is being character based a strength of VE?
Develops our character and is individualistic, better than a system that does what’s greatest for majority? Also, behind your actions lies your character.
Why is morality a strength of VE?
Don’t just say things are wrong without thinking about why (as Anscombe says) it is helpful that there is no definite right/wrong but links to relativistic weakness.
Why is partiality a strength of VE?
It recognises people can’t just stand back and be ‘strictly impartial’ like Kant and Mill require, it’s unrealistic. Rachel’s doubts impartiality is an important feature of moral life, eg. friendship requires partiality towards friends. Rather than impartiality, an understanding of how the different virtues relate to each other is required.
Why is being relativistic a weakness of VE?
We can’t agree on key virtues, they differ in each society. Rachels “Aristotle saw pride as a special virtue, Christians see it as a master vice”. If they are defined by societies, then who can objectively decide on virtues, who can say what’s intrinsically virtuous?
Why is nostalgia a weakness of VE?
Annas worries people like MacIntyre are nostalgic about a golden age which didn’t exist. The days of heroes had their own problems. She thinks the nostalgia of modern VE is misplaced.
Why is the difficulty of decisions a weakness of VE?
“It’s not obvious how we should go about deciding what to do” - Rachels. No system to distinguish how virtuous an outcome is etc. unlike hedonic calculus. Anscombe argues to get rid of words like ‘wrong’ and use ‘unjust’/’dishonest’
Why does Rachels think VE is incomplete?
Virtues like ‘being honest’ imply a rule so it’s hard to see what honestly consists of if it’s not about following rules. Frankena says “virtues without principles are blind”
Why is conflicting virtues a weakness of VE?
Rachels “it only leaves you wondering which virtue takes precedence” however as it is personal, you can decide what is most important for developing your own character.
What is the problem with applying VE?
Pojman: “it doesn’t tell us what to do in the instances we most need direction”
Other weaknesses of VE
Too optimistic of human nature, people need to pursue ex. goods eg. money to survive
How is VE subjective?
It depends on personal stance, eg. on personhood for abortion, whether it is just or unjust.
