Virtue Ethics

Question 1

What is VIRTUE ETHICS?

Answer 1

Virtue Ethics is an ethical theory that is AGENT CENTRED rather than ACT CENTRED.

-Does not focus on morality of ACTIONS. Focuses on how to be a GOOD person. Particularly virtues that make a good person.

Question 2

What does Plato say on Virtue Ethics?

Answer 2

• Happiness can be attained through the PURSUIT OF VIRTUE. Actions are good when they help to achieve this.
• Outlined four virtues as central called CARDINAL VIRTUES:
• Temperance -Prudence
• Courage -Justice

Question 3

What does Aristotle say about Virtue Ethics?

Answer 3

• Superior aim of life is to reach EUDAIMONIA i.e. Human happiness or flourishing.
• Achieved when we become VIRTUOUS, through practicing virtues.

Question 4

What types of virtue does Aristotle see?

Answer 4

INTELLECTUAL: developed by TRAINING and EDUCATION. (E.g. Wisdom)

MORAL: developed by HABIT. (E.g courage or truthfulness)

Question 5

What does Aristotle say about practicing virtues?

Answer 5

“We acquire virtues by first doing VIRTUOUS ACTS.”

Just as you learn to play an instrument by practicing.

Aristotle argued that whilst all people have the POTENTIAL to develop moral and intellectual virtues only a FEW will actually achieve this.

-Those who achieve EUDAIMONIA being those who use the supreme human virtue of REASON well.

Question 6

Aristotle on the GOLDEN MEAN

Answer 6

The balance between two vices. The vice of DEFICIENCY (cowardice) and the vice of EXCESS (rashness). Courage is golden mean.

-Mean is NOT the same for everyone. Dependent on circumstances.

You must apply PHRONESIS (wisdom) to decide on the right course of action in each situation.

-Phronesis is acquired as we move away from demands of authority and towards more AUTONOMOUS, AGENT-CENTRED morality.

Question 7

What examples can be followed in VIRTUE ETHICS?

Answer 7

• Allows us to understand how a virtuous person behaves and can replicate their behaviour.
• Considering the way in which a virtuous person would behave can help us become virtuous ourselves e.g What would Jesus do?.

For Religious people this can be a religious figure such as Jesus Christ and for non-religious people a figure who is considered to be virtuous such as Nelson Mandela.

Question 8

What happened in the 20th century to do with VIRTUE ETHICS?

Answer 8

-Revival of interest in Virtue Ethics by philosophers dissatisfied with ACT-CENTRED Ethical Theories such as Natural Law and Utilitarianism.

Question 9

ANSCOMBE on Virtue Ethics

Answer 9

• Rejected ACT-CENTRED ETHICS.
• Other moral theories where morality is based on duty such as Kantian Ethics is flawed
• These require a belief in God or an ultimate being who will judge. So without belief there is no reason to follow duty.

Question 10

FOOT on Virtue Ethics

Answer 10

Argues that a virtue does not operate as a virtue when turned to a bad end. So the virtue of courage to commit murder.