Ethics : Virtue Ethics Flashcards
INTRODUCTION: Introduce Virtue Ethics.
> Virtue ethics is a character based, Agent centred method of ethical decision making. Therefore it doesn’t judge a persons actions but the agent itself.
Aristotle came up with this theory for the elitist, meaning it wasn’t intended to be applied to the whole population. However, it can be applied to everyone in modern day context.
It is a teleological argument as it aims to reach the finality of our lives, Eudaemonia (human flourishing)
FOR : What did Aristotle argue that Virtue ethics was good for? — Eudaemonia as a guide
Aristotle believes that all humans should live life in accordance to virtue ethics, a type of ethics which is wholly based on characteristics rather than actions. Aristotles virtue ethics is entirely based on understanding that humans have a fixed nature, and the way we flourish is by adhering to that nature. For Aristotle, Eudaemonia is tied inextricably to fulfilling ones function. In order to adhere we must understand something called functioning, which refers to understanding that everything has a function. Therefore, Aristotle presents us with The Function Argument, which is a guide as to how we understand the nature of our functions. The three parts of the argument are : 1. Everything has a Function , 2. Everything has a soul and 3. The uniqueness of the human soul lies in its capacity for rational thought. Therefore, the function argument could be seen as a useful argument for understanding how to apply virtue ethics to humans in regards to our function. Similarly, by understanding functions this helps develop our understanding of how to reach the concept of Eudaemonia. Aristotle would describe this as the highest good.
FOR : Why is Virtue ethics a good way of ethical decision making? — Virtues vs Vices & Non rational vs Rational parts of the soul
Aristotle outlines that there are different types of virtues and these fall under different parts of the soul, therefore we must understand them. The non-rational soul has moral virtues (virtues of character) whilst the rational soul has intellectual virtues (practical/ theoretical virtues). Intellectual virtues are formed through habitual behaviour whereas intellectual virtues contribute to a good life. This means we are neither good nor evil therefore have the capacity to become good or evil in training. Training should start from childhood so we learn to develop good virtues into our individual adult lives. Someone is able to become virtuous through acting like someone virtuous, eg Jesus. Arguably, Justice is the most important virtue as , according to Nicomachean Ethics , its “every virtue summed up”.
FOR : Why is Virtue ethics good for ethical decision making? — The Golden Mean
Virtue ethics can be explained through the concept of The Golden mean (the doctrine of the mean), which explains that Eudaemonia is reached when we understand that virtues are the midpoint between excess and deficiency. For example, courageousness is the midpoint between cowardice (deficiency) and recklessness (excess). The Golden mean is varied for every person and circumstance, for example there are three types of persons according to Aristotle. The sophron (naturally lives in the mean without effort), The enkrates (tempted but has a strong enough will power to live in the mean) and The akrates (a weak willed person). In order for a person to decide what virtues should be applied in certain circumstances, they must apply a concept called Phronesis. Phronesis is a type of intelligence or practical wisdom that can help you decide what actions are correct in specific scenarios, therefore determine the right course of action. Overall, the golden mean and Phronesis cam be a guide for determining how to act in situations
AGAINST: Why might Virtue ethics be conflicting? — Outdated
A significant issue with virtue ethics is that it may be seen as outdated and temporary. This is due to the idea that virtues change with time. For example, some Victorian Virtues are obedience and conformity, yet moden day virtues conflict this with individuality and loyalty. Therefore, it may be difficult to determine which virtues are accepted depending on the generation. Virtue ethics ignores cultural relativism as different societies may have different virtues, and what is virtuous in one century may be a comparative vice in another. Therefore it may be hard to determine what virtues should be used as the role model in specific generations, meaning virtue ethics may be considered temporal rather than adaptable with time.
AGAINST : Why would some argue that Virtue ethics isn’t necessarily good for moral decision making? — Applying it to different scenarios
Arguably, the biggest issue with virtue ethics is its inability to be applied to moral dilemmas as it doesn’t provide specific answers. For example , embryonic research is a diverse topic as going both for and against it could portray vices and virtues. Similarly, virtue ethics seems to [raise some virtues which may seem immoral, linking to the issue that virtue ethics concentrates upon long term character traits but does not deal with individual acts which are wrong. Therefore it could be argued that virtue ethics is vague when it comes down to specific scenarios.
