issues

Question 1

criticism- does virtue ethics give clear guidance about how to act?

Answer 1

doesn’t give clear rules just do the right or virtuous thing in every situation but we want to know exactly what that is.

Question 2

response

Answer 2

however virtue ethic does give some guidance:
mainly develop
1 virtues of character
2 practical wisdom

further argues that we know which virtues to strive to develop and which vices to avoid

eg virtue of honest - do what is honest
vice of cruelty- do not be cruel

Question 3

further criticism

Answer 3

different cultures value different character traits

relative?

Question 4

further response

Answer 4

there are some universal virtues eg honesty loyalty generosity courage valued by all societies which would entail universal virtue rules.

Question 5

criticism- can virtue ethics deal with clashing virtues?

Answer 5

moral dilemmas

virtues conflict with each other

Question 6

responses list

Answer 6

practical wisdom
hierarchy
no resolution

Question 7

practical wisdom

Answer 7

conflict is only apparent and practical wisdom will help determine the appropriate virtue to move with.

Question 8

hierarchy of virtues

Answer 8

put a hierarchy in eg justice over charity

Question 9

no resolution

Answer 9

admit there is no resolution but virtue ethic recognizes the impact on us eg decisions leaving us with pain guilt and regret = emotions are moral remainders and only virtue ethics recognizes them as morally significant.

Question 10

criticism- possibility of circularity

Answer 10

virtuous action is done by someone who is virtuous.

circularity definitions are problematic because it does nothing to help explain the nature of virtuous actions/ people.

Question 11

response

Answer 11

adds more elements to the definition

a virtuous person habitually performs actions that are the result of deliberation and choice and which bring pleasure and which avoids exhibiting too much or too little feeling.

Question 12

criticism- must a trait contribute to eudaimonia in order to be a virtue?

Answer 12

weak dont use it ask andy

Question 13

criticism- the individual and the moral good

Answer 13

moral philosophy distinguish actions that are self interested and actions that benefit others ie morally good

but it focuses on self interest

Question 14

response

Answer 14

good for the individual
flourishing and living good life
individually possessing virtues
practical wisdom self interested

moral good
many virtues benefit those around us eg justice
many vices eg murder is never appropriate in any circumstance.

Question 15

further response

Answer 15

good for individual= moral good
moral behaviour doesn’t conflict with self interested behaviour
must follow our true self-interest and not our apparent self-interest
we individuals flourish and flourish as a collective community
individual pursuits towards virtue and eudaimonia result in moral good.