Virtue ethics

Question 1

what type of theory is virtue ethics?

Answer 1

non-consequentialist

Question 2

why is virtue ethics non-consequentialist ?

Answer 2

because it is based on ‘how should i behave’ or ‘how should i live’

Question 3

what is a virtue?What is a telos ?

Answer 3

A quality, The end or purpose

Question 4

What type of ethics was Aristotles theory ?

Answer 4

Aretaic ethics (from the create meaning ‘excellence’.

Question 5

What did Aristotle believe all humans have?

Answer 5

A purpose or function (telos)

Question 6

what is a humans purpose?

Answer 6

to realise their potential and fulfill it’s goals.

develop into an excellecnt character rather than follow prescribed ethical norms

Question 7

What is the ultimate aim for human life?

Answer 7

human flourishing (eudaimonia)

Question 8

How do humans become virtuous ?

Answer 8

By developing the relevant characteristics

Question 9

It is not about what people do, but the kind of person that they are.

Answer 9

-

Question 10

What are the two types of virtues?

Answer 10

intellectual and moral

Question 11

what are intellectual virtues?

Answer 11

virtues that are developed under instruction

Question 12

what are moral virtues?

Answer 12

virtues that are cultivated through habit.

Question 13

Aristotle realised that not all people will attain their goals and virtues. but what is it essential to have?

Answer 13

a balance between intellectual and moral virtues.

Question 14

What is the correct way to live ?

Answer 14

following the doctrine of the mean.

Question 15

What is the doctrine of the mean ?

Answer 15

the perfect balance between two extremes.

Question 16

What are the two extremes ?

Answer 16

vices of excess and vices of deficiency.

Question 17

and example of a balance between vices.

Answer 17

VE= rashness
VD= cowardice
virtue = courage

Question 18

Who is a modern virtue ethicist ?

Answer 18

Alasdair MacIntyre

Question 19

What did AD believe about modern ethics ?

Answer 19

places too much emphasis on reason and not enough on people (their content and character)

Question 20

what is the relationship between societies and virtues ?

Answer 20

As societies develop as do virtues.

Question 21

what must lie underneath virtues ?

Answer 21

Good will of the person

Question 22

How can we achieve moral excellence ?

Answer 22

Through practicing the virtues: justice, courage and honesty as they prevent people from becoming morally corrupt.

Question 23

what is the problem of application ?

Answer 23

Hard to apply as there are no guidelines. unlike NML. There are no moral boundaries, even though some things are absolutely wrong.

Question 24

how is the problem of application countered ?

Answer 24

by a supporter who would say that there is guidance because there is a list of virtues to be interpreted.
It makes the theory flexible as it does not prescribe fixed duties.

Question 25

What is the conflict problem ?

Answer 25

When virtues conflict

Question 26

How is the conflict problem countered ?

Answer 26

A problem for other ethical theories such as deontology.

Question 27

Strengths of virtue ethics?

Answer 27

• Encourages people to do good things for the sake of it.

- Applies to real life situations

Question 28

Weaknesses of virtue ethics ?

Answer 28

• How do we decide what virtues to develop.
• No guidance in situations.
• Aristotle’s virtues are masculine (bravery and honor), little thought given to the feminine virtues (compassion and humiliarity)