Virtue ethics Flashcards
What is virtue ethics?
-Aristotle
-Idea that by practicing virtuous behaviour, you can develop a virtuous character.
“We are what we repeatedly do” - Aristotle
-If you consistently practice virtuous characteristics, you will know what the right choice is in situations.
Aristotle quote
“The good for man is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue” - Aristotle
Aristotle’s ideas on justice and friendship
-Neither justice nor friendship have extremes of excess or deficiency.
-Both are altruistic/selfless, meaning love of others.
Theoria
-Highest good
-The intellectual virtue of contemplation brings about flourishing to the highest level, leading to eudaimonia.
What are the two categories of virtue?
Moral = qualities of character that are practiced e.g bravery, courage, patience.
Intellectual = qualities of mind that are taught and improved by instruction e.g practical wisdom, intuitive intelligence, arts, scientific knowledge.
What is the Golden Mean?
-The mean between extremes of excess and deficiency, where the virtue lies.
-Having a balanced personality, able to display virtues that express a view of life that is based on reason.
-Relative to each situation.
-Rejects judging actions based on consequences.
-Focuses on greatest good for the greatest number.
“Virtuous actions must be pleasurable in themselves” - Aristotle
Strengths of virtue ethics
-Includes and develops the whole person.
-Centred around the person rather than rules.
-Doctrine of the mean takes into account different people and circumstances.
-Accepts that there isn’t always a perfect answer.
-Doesn’t require complex intellectual thinking; it is about imitating virtuous people.
-Allows for making mistakes.
-Avoids an individualistic approach.
-Embraces both the individual and others.
Weaknesses of virtue ethics
-Doesn’t take into account the widely differing cultures of the modern world. It was made to suit Ancient Greece.
-Vague
-Lacks clear rules
-Too much emphasis on character, not enough on actions.
-Unrealistic + elitist. The idea of a ‘virtuous person’ is idealized.
-Ethical egoism. It focuses on the individual flourishing and reaching eudaimonia, not the good of others.
Counter claims
-Virtues are universal. Everyone is capable of being virtuous.
-Practical wisdom (phronesis) helps achieve the right balance.
-Clear rules can be derived from virtues.
-Character/virtues shape actions.
-Gradual flourishing can apply to anyone, even if they can’t achieve the highest level.
-The flourishing of the individual is tied to the flourishing of others.
