Virtue Ethics Flashcards
Who was virtue ethics made for
the elitist in society
VE and Theft
Theft is a base action (you cant steal “well” or “not well”)
Stealing is always wrong
Theological Virtues
Faith
Love
Hope
Cardinal Virtues
Courage
Justice
Temperance
Wisdom
Aristotle’s doctrine of the mean produces 3 types of people
who are they?
Sophron- Naturally lives in the mean with no effort
Enkrates- tempted by strong enough to stay in the mean
akrates- Cannot live in the mean by overcoming temptation
What must be considered when applying VE
which virtues are demonstrated
which virtues are developed
which vices are demonstrated
“what do virtuous people do”
Weaknesses of Virtue ethics
-isnt useful for specific situations
-Virtues change over time
-relies on circular logic
-Less useful for anyone not elitist
-Some people need laws to stop them from harming others
-Idea that humans have a function is teleological and contradicts evolution
Theoria
the intellectual virtue of contemplation
Agent
In virtue ethics, this is an individual
How are moral virtues formed?
through habit
By nature, we are neither good nor evil, we need training
Function argument
Everything has a function- goodness consists in performing the function well.
Every living this has a soul- nature of the soul determines the function
Virtues and vices
Virtue- a character trait, being good requires the practise of good behaviour
Vice- opposite to a virtue
VE- Lying
Virtue of honesty
courageous to tell the truth
Justice
strengths of virtue ethics
-intention over action
-Aims to do whats best for society
-Whole personality is considered
-Encourages people to live temptation free lives
-More flexible than SE and NML
