Virtue Ethics

Question 1

Define Virtue Ethics.

Answer 1

It is an Ethical Approach which focuses on the Character of a person.

Question 2

What was Socrates’ definition of Virtue?

Answer 2

Knowledge, which is a forerunner to Self-Consciousness - “Know Thyself.”

Question 3

Name the x4 main virtues established by Plato.

Answer 3

1. Prudence/Wisdom
2. Courage/Fortitude
3. Temperance
4. Justice

Question 4

List the x4 Cardinal Virtues.

Answer 4

1. Prudence/Wisdom
2. Courage
3. Temperance
4. Justice

Question 5

List the x3 Aristotelian Virtue Theory.

Answer 5

1. Head - Reason
2. Heart - Emotion
3. Soul - Mysticism

Question 6

What is the converse of Virtue?

Answer 6

Vice.

Question 7

In what way did Aristotle propose that virtue is acquired?

Answer 7

Through Mentorship. Virtues are trained.

Question 8

According to Aristotle, what defines Virtues and what are they supposed to achieve?

Answer 8

Virtue is a Character Trait or Excellence (Aretai) which must achieve Well-Being (Eudaimonia).

Question 9

Define Moral Virtues.

Answer 9

Rooted in emotion by habit. Hard to measure.

Question 10

Define Intellectual Virtues.

Answer 10

Based on rational by practice. Easy to measure.

Question 11

List x3 Moral Virtues.

Answer 11

1. Courage
2. Generosity
3. Wittiness

Question 12

List x3 Intellectual Virtues.

Answer 12

1. Intelectual Humility
2. Critical Thinking
3. Open-Mindedness

Question 13

How can we measure Moral Virtue?

Answer 13

Aristotle developed the Golden Mean.

Question 14

What is the Golden Mean?

Answer 14

Deficient - Mean/Virtue - Excess
Desirable middle between two extremes.

Question 15

Define Intrinsic Virtue.

Answer 15

Good in and of itself.

Question 16

Give x2 examples of Intrinsic Virtues.

Answer 16

1. Faith
2. Activism

Question 17

Define Extrinsic Virtue.

Answer 17

Good for the sake of something.

Question 18

Give x2 examples of Extrinsic Virtues.

Answer 18

1. Accountability
2. Governance

Question 19

Give x2 examples of Modern Virtues.

Answer 19

1. Resume Virtues - Wealth, Fame, Status
2. Eulogy Virtues - Kindness, Bravery, Honesty, Faithfulness

Question 20

List x3 Weaknesses of Virtue Ethics.

Answer 20

1. It necessitates mentorship - What if there aren’t any examples from which to learn?
2. Relies heavily on Relativism - Interpretation of words and their meanings change over time.
3. Based on Relationships - Whereas 4th Industrial Revolution is associated with Technology.

Question 21

List x3 Strengths of Virtue Ethics.

Answer 21

1. Still resonates and has relevance - despite it being old.
2. Can extend beyond the individual to corporate.
3. Could be argued that Whistleblowing stems from the consciousness of Moral Virtue.

Question 22

Distinguish between Moral and Intellectual Virtue.

Answer 22

Moral - based on emotions by habit.
Intellectual - based on reason by practice.