virtue theory

Question 1

what type of theory is virtue theory?

Answer 1

it is normative, teleological as it considers the purpose of ethics

Question 2

what is the purpose of virtue theory?

Answer 2

to reach eudaemonia , means happiness or flourishing

Question 3

what are the 3 kinds of happiness needed to achieve eudaemonia?

Answer 3

1. happiness as an individual
2. happiness as a member of the community
3. happiness as a philosopher

Question 4

what are virtues?

Answer 4

qualities of character that need to be worked on and developed

Question 5

what are the intellectual virtues? name them?

Answer 5

• scientific knowledge
• art or technical skill
• practical wisdom
• intelligence or intuition
• wisdom

Question 6

what are the moral virtues? name them?

Answer 6

there are 12 which are known as the golden mean

courage, temperance, modesty, ect

Question 7

what is the golden mean?

Answer 7

the middle between the vice of excess and deficiency

Question 8

what is the vice of deficiency?

Answer 8

the deficiency of courage would be cowardice

Question 9

what is the vice of excess?

Answer 9

the excess of courage would be rashness

Question 10

what are intellectual virtues?

Answer 10

they bring there knowledge required to be educated and applied with reason (practical reason)

Question 11

how are moral virtues perfected?

Answer 11

they are practised and developed to form habits that are learned to perfection so they become second nature

Question 12

what are Jesus’ beatitudes?

Answer 12

8 moral virtues that begin with the word blessed and have a promised reward. e.g virtue (poor in spirit) reward (kingdom of heaven)
virtue (meek) reward (the earth)

Question 13

where did Jesus state his beatitudes?

Answer 13

the sermon on the mount

Question 14

what is the challenge of virtues used for immoral acts?

Answer 14

• it could be considered courageous to kill someone, but, killing is wrong in most systems
• ones persons option on the virtues can be different
• virtue prioritises the need of humans over animals or the environment
• leads to subjugation of women as it teaches feminine virtues benefit men

Question 15

what is the challenge of cultural relativism?

Answer 15

• the virtues might differ according to culture
• Aristotle and Jesus’ virtues contradict
• virtue doesn’t condemn any act so tolerates terrible things
• there is no clear decider of who is more virtuous

Question 16

what is the challenge of virtues not being a guide to moral behaviour?

Answer 16

• there are no instructions regarding how to behave in specific situations
• the virtues are old fashioned and do not help with modern dilemmas

Question 17

how is virtue theory not precise science?

Answer 17

the virtues are vague and doesn’t provide specific ethical norms for concrete dilemmas such as abortion and war

Question 18

how can virtue theory be useful when faced with moral dilemma?

Answer 18

• it is adaptable to modern life
• we need virtue to underpin moral law-making so laws are reasonable and just
• it underpins other theories like natural law and allows reasoned decision making

Question 19

how can virtue theory not be as useful when faced with moral dilemma?

Answer 19

• some rules can cause more problems, so virtue can guide people when law fails
• virtue is NOT a system of law, it works best as a personal ethic
• a truly virtuous person would never harm anyone

Question 20

what are the cardinal virtues?

Answer 20

temperance, courage, wisdom and justice, all of theses work together

Question 21

what does MacIntyre argue?

Answer 21

he urges us to remember where ethics came from and understand the historical context of it.
so he goes urges people to get the background information of an issue such as an abortion to make the right decision

Question 22

what does telos mean?

Answer 22

everything has a purpose