Virtue Ethics

Question 1

Who founded VE?

Answer 1

Aristotle

Question 2

What kind of ethic is VE? (3)

Answer 2

Secular
Agent centred
Normative

Question 3

What is the Function Argument? (2)

Answer 3

Hierarchy of Souls: Plants (reproduce, grow), Animals (mobility, sensation), Humans (thought, reflection)
Know right function, know human goodness = fulfilling function, reach eudaimonia

Question 4

What is the Nature of Human Souls? (2)

Answer 4

Non-rational: excellence of character & body— moral- formed by habits
Rational: excellence of theoretical & practical reasoning— intellectual- contribute most to good life

Question 5

What is the Golden Mean?

Answer 5

Abstinence- too little
Moderation- just right
Excess- too much

Question 6

What are 5 virtues and their vices?

Answer 6

Cowardice— Courage— Rashness
Surliness— Friendliness— Obsequiousness
Ironical Depreciation— Sincerity— Boastfullness
Shamelessness— Modesty— Bashfulness
Callousness— Just Resentment— Spitefulness

Question 7

What two ways do the virtues function?

Answer 7

1. Socially
2. INDIVIDUALLY

Question 8

What is a flourishing society? (2)

Answer 8

If everyone in society perfected 12 virtues, then society would be ‘flourishing’
So everyone is working to have a virtuous telos and to reach eudaimonia

Question 9

How is it a hybrid theory? (2)

Answer 9

Synthesises aspects of teleology and deontology
Doesn’t agree with either

Question 10

What are three strengths?

Answer 10

1. Holistic
2. Human-centred
3. Allows for moral judgment

Question 11

What are three weaknesses?

Answer 11

1. Ignores cultural relativism
2. Circular argument
3. Accuracy?