Virtue ethics Flashcards
Is virtue ethics based on God?
NO! its based upon personal qualities and personal character
What is virtue ethics about? (hint developing what to behave morally)
How one can develop their character (ethos) in order to behave morally
What are the two kinds of people in Aristotle’s ‘Nichomachean Ethics’?
1) Continent
2) Temperate
What is a continent person?
A person who does what is right, but not necessarily because they want to
What is a temperate person?
A person who does what is right because they want to; the more holistic person
What did Aristotle ‘specifically’ claim the perfect life consists of?
1) A life of enjoyment
2) A life with freedom
3) Being a philosopher
‘Perfect happiness’ can only exist with the….?
Cultivation of our virtues especially the most important virtue of all- wisdom
The goal of virtue theory is to cultivate a ….?
A virtuos disposition that brings about Eudaimonia through virtuos actions
What is ‘Arete’?
Excellence, strength and virtue
What is ‘Aretaic Ethics’?
Strength centred ethics
What is the problem with Aristotelian virtue ethics?
Virtues are dependant upon community and society
Only relevant to the place you are and the time
Are the virtues the same for everyone?
We face the same basic problems and needs
Everyone needs courage as of danger
some people need generosity some don’t
Everyone needs loyalty
Is there a link with Jesus and Christianity on virtues
Yes, it could be argued New Testament is founded upon the cultivation of virtue
What is a good example of Jesus’ teachings on cultivating our virtues?
‘Sermon on the Mount’
What are some cross overs between Aristotle and Jesus ?
J- hungry+ thirsty for righteousness
A- Righteousness indignation
J-Pure in heart
A- Liberality
J-Persecuted for the sake of righteousness
A-Courage
What are some strengths of Virtue ethics?
-Connection to community
-Morality isn’t defined by moments but by a long-term process
-Allowance for grey areas e.g varying texts
What are some Weaknesses of virtue Ethics?
-Dependence on strong communities
-Demands time
-Can be turned into a really poor duty-based ethics
-might be taken as situational ethics
- Not easily applied to ethical issues or gives practical solutions
Is Virtue Ethics seen in only Christianity?
Its demonstrated in most religions and any community
