Virtue Ethics

Question 1

A virtue

Answer 1

A disposition or character trait to be valued

Question 2

Eudaimonia

Answer 2

That which is good for humans. For Aristotle, human flourishing. For Aquinas, this is ultimately the Beatific Vision and union with God.

Question 3

Function

Answer 3

Work or accomplishment. Something is good if it fulfils its function

Question 4

The function argument

Answer 4

Everything has a function and goodness consists in performing one’s function well. Eg. A knife is good if it is sharp, has a good handle etc.

Question 5

The soul and the human soul

Answer 5

Everything living has a soul. The nature of the soul determines the function.
The human soul is unique in its capacity for rational thought.
So reasoning well is how humans attain goodness - this entails exercising virtue in their life

Question 6

Virtue ethics doesn’t ask what should I do? But..

Answer 6

What should I be?

What kind of person should I am to be with my actions?

Question 7

Aristotle quote about practicing virtue

Answer 7

‘One day does not make a summer; and so too one day or short time does not make a man blessed and happy’

Question 8

Aristotle quote about reason

Answer 8

‘The good life is that in which we reason well’

Question 9

Two parts to the human soul

Answer 9

Rational and non rational

Question 10

Rational part contains

Answer 10

Intellectual virtues

Question 11

The 9 intellectual virtues

Answer 11

Technical skill
Scientific knowledge
Practical wisdom
Intelligence
Theoretical wisdom
AND
Resourcefulness
Understanding
Judgement 
Cleverness

Question 12

The non rational part contains

Answer 12

12 moral virtues

Question 13

The 12 moral virtues

Answer 13

Courage
Temperance
Generosity
Magnificence
High mindedness
Correct ambition
Good temper
Truthfulness 
Wittiness
Friendliness
Modesty
Just resentment

Question 14

Intellectual values are learned by

Answer 14

They can be taught

They are controlled by reason

Question 15

Moral virtues are gained by

Answer 15

Repetition and practice
Imitating virtuous people
They are directed by the rational soul

Question 16

Doctrine of the mean

Answer 16

Emotions can be either in excess or in deficit
So practical wisdom steers a person to the mean between these two extremes. Moral virtues lie here.
This is relative to each individual and their circumstances.

Question 17

Phronimos

Answer 17

A person who displays practical wisdom so is best equipped to define virtuous behaviour

Question 18

Intention in VE

Answer 18

People are acting virtuously when they know what they are doing
They must be making a reasoned choice - and are definitely not acting virtuously if their action is motivated by desire to impress others

Question 19

Theoria

Answer 19

The intellectual virtue of contemplation - Aristotle says this is the good life for humans. It leads to eudaimonia.

Question 20

3 reasons for Theoria

Answer 20

Reason/intelligence is the highest aspect of human life
Contemplation of the world is done for its own sake and so it intrinsically good
Theoretical reasoning is the contemplation of the divine - not human - higher than that

Question 21

Strengths of VE

Answer 21

It includes the whole person and their development
It is centred around the person’s character not rules
The emphasis of practical wisdom encourages use of judgement rather than clinging to a rule book.
It allows for making mistakes - even the most virtuous people do - but asks us to look up to and imitate more virtuous people.
It embraces the individual and the whole of society

Question 22

Weaknesses of VE

Answer 22

These virtues may not be the same in every culture, we do not live in Ancient Greece now but an entirely different world with different values.
It doesn’t feel relevant in today’s world with the development of new technologies. Who can we claim is truly virtuous and what if we are mistaken?
Aristotle’s hierarchy of sounds ignores the interests of animals and the environment.
So it is very anthropocentric.
Lack of clear guidance makes it too vague
Most styles of government can’t make decisions/laws based on individual character so it isn’t helpful to society.