Virtue Ethics Flashcards
Why is Aristotle’s ethical system character based?
Life is too complex so the best that can be done is to offer rough guidance on how to live
What is Aristotle’s idea about functions?
Every object has a certain function
What is our ultimate good?
To exercise our rational capacities in the pursuit of eudaimonia
What does eudaimonia mean?
Greek word meaning ‘highest good’
Human flourishing
How can eudaimonia be achieved?
Develop a virtuous character
How are moral virtues like generosity cultivated?
By habit
How are intellectual virtues like intuition developed?
Through instruction
How can a virtue be established?
Find the golden mean between two vices (excess of deficiency of a virtue)
‘Virtue is a mean’- Aristotle
How is the golden mean worked out?
Using phronesis (practical wisdom)
What does nicomachean ethics describe?
The virtues and vices that make up the moral character
What does Aristotle say about the polis?
The polis should collectively aim to live virtuously
‘The best life, both for individuals and states, is the life of virtue’
Is being virtuous intrinsically or instrumentally good?
Intrinsically
What are the differing concepts of the good life?
Those who love pleasure (most people)
Those who love honour (politicians)
Those who love contemplation (philosophers)
What does Anthony kenny say about habit?
Virtues are ‘acquired by practice and lost by disuse’
How does james F. Keenan summarise virtue ethics?
Who am I?
Who ought I to become?
How do I get there?
What does Aristotle say about some actions always being wrong?
‘Not every action or feeling admits of the mean’
What does Rosalind hursthouse say is positive about virtue ethics?
It places emphasises on individual development, relationships and happiness
What is positive about virtue ethics regarding cultures?
It acknowledges cultural diversity
What does William Frankena say is negative about virtue ethics?
‘Virtues without principles are blind’
How do you know what habits are genuine virtues?
What does Mackie say is negative about virtue ethics?
It is ‘too circular to be very helpful’
Doesn’t provide guidance on how to resolve an ethical dilemma
What is negative about the idea of cultivating virtues?
We can’t cultivate virtues
Some people are naturally moral
What does Russell say is negative about virtue ethics?
May be beneficial to show extremes
The mediocrity that the golden mean exhibits is focused on restraint and calculation
What does Louis pojman say is negative about virtue ethics?
What happens when virtues conflict? E.g. honesty and loyalty
Elizabeth Anscombe
Initiated the modern revival of virtue theory
She said the idea of ethics defined as some legalistic principles needs to be changed
We should think about the idea of a virtue and human flourishing referring back to Plato and Aristotle
MacIntyre
Modern ethics put too much emphasis on reason and not enough stress on people, their characters and context
Society depends on virtuous people
3 most important virtues are justice, courage, honesty
