Virtue Ethics Flashcards
What does an agent centred approach mean?
Means the ethical system focuses on the person
Is Virtue Ethics rule based?
No, because it is agent centred
Who invented Virtue Ethics?
Aristotle
Why is an alternative name who Virtue Ethics?
Aristotelian Ethics
Why did Aristotle make Virtue Ethics non rule based?
Because virtues are unique to everyone and no one should strive for what someone else may have
What are Virtues?
Positive Character Traits
What are the two types of virtues?
Moral virtues
Intelligent Virtues
How many moral virtues are there?
12
What is a moral virtue?
One which are done through doing
What is an example of a moral virtue?
Liberty
What are intelligent virtues?
Virtues learnt through a teacher
What is one type of intelligent virtues!
Primary virtues
What makes up the primary virtues?
Wisdom Intelligent knowledge Scientific knowledge Practical wisdom Art
What is an acronym for the primary intelligent virtues?
WISPA
How many moral virtues are there?
12
What is the end goal of virtue ethics?
Eudaimonia
What does eudaimonia mean?
Human flourishing
What is the Doctrine of the Golden Mean?
Where virtues lie between vice and deficiencies. This is where you aim for in between these (the golden mean) to be a virtuous person
What is human flourishing to society?
When society is performing to the best of its ability
What is the act of becoming virtuous like?
Like learning a musical instrument
Why is becoming virtuous like learning a musical instrument?
Because it takes time to perfect but is achievable
What type of approach does Virtue Ethics contain?
An agent centred approach
What is the term for a ethical system which doesn’t claim what is right or wrong?
Non-normative
What is the term for a ethical system which does claim what is right or wrong?
Normative
What are the three type of happy people according to Aristotle?
Pleasure seekers
Honour seekers
Lovers of contemplation
Who are pleasure seekers?
People driven by basic pleasures
Who are honour seekers?
People driven by their reputations
Who are lovers of contemplation?
They are philosophers and thinkers
What according to Aristotle can character be developed by?
Emulation
Education
Experience
What is emulation in terms of Virtue Ethics?
Copying heroes
What is education in terms of Virtue Ethics?
Wisdom and learning
What is experience in terms of Virtue Ethics?
Learn from mistakes
What are three strengths of Virtue Ethics?
Allows we learn ethics over times
It is flexible by being non-normative
Ideas of virtue will vary about cultures
Why is the ability to learn Virtue Ethics over time a strength?
Because it means people can develop and don’t have to perfect at the beginning
Why is being non-normative a strength?
Makes the system flexible an avoids absolutes
Why is a variance amongst cultures a strength?
Means it can be applied to the different vultures of a country
What does Martha Nussbaum argue is a strength of Virtue Ethics?
It is compassionate and caring because it takes the whole person into account.
What is Anscombe’s problem with most ethical theories?
They are reliant on duty
What is the problem with theories that rely on duty?
For those who do not believe in God or if there is no God it is hard to use these theories since they are not duty-bound
What is an issue Anscombe might raise with Kantian theory?
Doesn’t work in a multicultural society and cannot work with the plethora of views present
What did Anscombe believe there was/is a need for?
A theory that will work in a multicultural world and develop our characteristics
What is the problem with Anscombe’s arguments?
Doesn’t work in a theo-centric society
Who are the three main scholars of Virtue Ethics?
Aristotle
Alasdair MacIntyre
Phillipa Foot
How does Foot describe virtues?
Virtues are like weights which correct a warped wooden plank (humans)
What does Foot put an emphasis on?
Virtues
What does Foot say people are judged on?
Moral Intentions
