Virtue ethics Flashcards
What does virtue ethics concentrate on?
the idea of the human character and how to be a better person
Who is the main scholar?
Aristotle
What is ethikos?
concerned with the ethical character of an individual rather than their actions.
What type of ethical theory is virtue ethics?
a character based ethical theory
What is the key belief of virtue ethics?
it believes that the you need the right character in order to choose the right actions
should be less concerned with action + consequence and instead concerned with the character of the moral agent
Virtue ethics is non - normative, what does this mean?
doesn’t give laws to follow and instead identifies correct character to have
Briefly describe eudamonia.
- human flourishing
- humans final purpose
How will someone act once they reach eudamonia?
completely morally by choice/ choose the right actions but also WANT to do those same actions
Do you have to practice being virtuous?
Yes, this is how the traits are gained and eventually leads to eudamonia.
What is the opposite of a virtue and briefly explain.
A vice.
Don’t promote well-being and should be avoided.
Explain what is meant by the golden middle (virtue).
On a line there is excess, virtue and deficiency.
These are linked to how virtuous an trait is.
Therefore, virtue is the golden middle that individuals should aim to achieve.
What is the doctrine of the mean?
Links to the theory of the golden middle and helps people act virtuously.
Helps people work out the correct actions.
What are the 4 groups of people?
- virtuous people
- enjoy doing good so face no moral dilemma - continent people
- do virtuous things most of the time - incontinent people
- face conflict with decisions but often choose virtues - vicious people
- never attempt to be virtuous
Can you be virtuous by accident?
No, must be a choice.
