Module 11 - Virtue Ethics

Question 1

Virtue Ethics

Answer 1

ethical theory with good moral habits as moral standard
Bridge statement: an act is right iff it develops good moral habits
developed by Aristotle

Question 1

Aristotle

Answer 1

385-323 BCE; philosopher and biologist, physician, and tutor to Alexander the Great. Philosophy in lecture notes and ethical theory in a book named after his son
Everything is defined by a natural essence of purpose (final cause; telos)
virtue (arete): If something is an outstanding example or specimen, then it has virtue
A human being’s purpose/final cause/telos is to be virtuous

Question 2

Cardinal Moral Virtues (4) (aka virtues of character)

Answer 2

(from aristotle)
courage, temperance, prudence, justice. A human who lives well, is an example of the 4 cardinal moral virtues shows Fluorishing (eudaimonia)

Question 3

Flourishing (eudaimonia)

Answer 3

a person who exhibits the four cardinal moral virtues

Question 4

Theoretical Criticism of Virtue Ethics

Answer 4

questions why courage, temperance, prudence, and justice are the 4 primary moral virtues and not others. Some question if this is bc these are characteristics of successful warriors

Question 5

Practical Criticism of Virtue Ethics

Answer 5

questions that the ability of achieving eudaimonia (flourishing)/excellence in all virtues. Ex. if someone focuses on developing courage, they wont develop the other 3

Question 6

Morally Lucky

Answer 6

if a persons life circumstances make it easier to develop a moral virtue

Question 7

Problem of Moral Luck / and is a problem for virtue ethics (bc is not about autonomy and moral responsibility)

Answer 7

means that moral praise/blame is dependent on life circumstances and not on moral effort

Question 8

Virtue Ethics and Natural Law Theory similarities

Answer 8

Aristotle, biological in character, many virtue ethicists are also natural law theorists (and vice versa)

Question 9

Excesses and Defects

Answer 9

bad moral habits. we want the middle ground/just the right amount = virtue = good moral habit

Question 10

Courage Virtue

Answer 10

defined in terms of characteristic of fear and confidence

Question 11

Temperance Virtue

Answer 11

defined in terms of characteristic of pleasure

Question 12

Prudence Virtue

Answer 12

defined in terms of thinking

Question 13

Justice Virtue

Answer 13

defined in terms of giving

Question 14

the right amount of each (fear, confidence, pleasure, thinking, and giving) is _______ (the same/different) for each person

Answer 14

different