Ethical Thought- Virtue Theory

Question 1

Virtue theory- key ideas

Answer 1

Instead of looking at what makes an action good or bad, VT looks at what makes a good person.

Question 2

Aristotle

Answer 2

Aristotle argues that all our actions are directed towards an end or purpose. The ultimate purpose is eudaimonia which means living the best life a human can live, fulfilling our potential. (flourishing). Eudaimonia is not an individual aim but the ultimate aim for the whole of humanity.

Question 3

Aristotle- the role of virtue

Answer 3

Aristotle’s idea are teleological (based on purposes/ends) and deontological (rightness or wrongness of actions themselves not the consequences). In order to achieve our goal, we must practice good actions in order to improve our virtues (arete) and then become happy and fulfilled.

Question 4

The moral virtues

Answer 4

Aristotle- should develop 12 moral virtues, if someone possessed the moral virtues, they’d have the right kind of character to do good things/ flourish. These develop through habit, but become second nature.

Question 5

The 12 moral virtues (6 to remember)

Answer 5

Courage, good temper, friendliness, liberality, generosity and right ambition

Question 6

Intellectual virtues

Answer 6

Aristostle also identifies 9 intellectual virtues, they help people recognise the moral virtues and the golden mean. They are needed for people to flourish.

Question 7

The soul

Answer 7

Aristotle sees happiness as an activity of the soul. He splits the soul into 2 parts; rational and irrational. The irrational part is linked to our basic needs (shelter,procreation) these can be controlled through moral virtues. The rational part can grasp knowledge and facts, it can also weigh up there to form decisions. (linked to intellectual virtues). Both parts of the soul come into play when making a decision , but the rational part needs to be in control.

Question 8

The soul- fruit cake example

Answer 8

Vardy and Grosch- Our body requires food for growth, the irrational part desires cake not fruit, however the scientific part knows that fruit would be better, the rational part then weighs up the options and comes up with fruitcake.

Question 9

Doctrine of the mean

Answer 9

The mean (the correct balance) will vary depending on the circumstances. For example, a soldier who’s most likely to die might be right to feel afraid to the extent that they may run away, a soldier on the side most likely to win who felt the same amount of fear would be a coward. Once applying the doctrine of the mean becomes a habit, you are a virtuous person.

Question 10

Criticism of the doctrine of the mean

Answer 10

Some say it leads to a blind, uniform response to all situations.

Question 11

Community

Answer 11

It’s not individualistic, individuals can only develop as part or a community. Aristotle sees the idea of friendship as key.

Question 12

Summary

Answer 12

What makes a good person is more important for morality than what is a good action. A good person is someone possessed of all the virtues and this will lead to eudaimonia. Moral virtues are cultivated through habit and intellectual virtues through instruction. The doctrine of the mean must be employed in order to respond virtuously. Virtuous people are essential for the smooth running and happiness of communities.

Question 13

Virtue theory and Christianity

Answer 13

Many Christian teachings, such as the beatitudes, focus on human qualities rather than human actions.

Question 14

The 8 beatitudes of Jesus

Answer 14

Jesus’ description on what a good person looks like. eg. right ambition, friendliness.

Question 15

Criticisms

Answer 15

Trying to be virtuous could lead to immoral actions and it doesn’t give a clear answers to moral dilemmas.