virtue theory Flashcards
what type of theory is virtue theory?
it is normative, teleological as it considers the purpose of ethics
what is the purpose of virtue theory?
to reach eudaemonia , means happiness or flourishing
what are the 3 kinds of happiness needed to achieve eudaemonia?
- happiness as an individual
- happiness as a member of the community
- happiness as a philosopher
what are virtues?
qualities of character that need to be worked on and developed
what are the intellectual virtues? name them?
- scientific knowledge
- art or technical skill
- practical wisdom
- intelligence or intuition
- wisdom
what are the moral virtues? name them?
there are 12 which are known as the golden mean
courage, temperance, modesty, ect
what is the golden mean?
the middle between the vice of excess and deficiency
what is the vice of deficiency?
the deficiency of courage would be cowardice
what is the vice of excess?
the excess of courage would be rashness
what are intellectual virtues?
they bring there knowledge required to be educated and applied with reason (practical reason)
how are moral virtues perfected?
they are practised and developed to form habits that are learned to perfection so they become second nature
what are Jesus’ beatitudes?
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)
where did Jesus state his beatitudes?
the sermon on the mount
what is the challenge of virtues used for immoral acts?
- 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
what is the challenge of cultural relativism?
- 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
what is the challenge of virtues not being a guide to moral behaviour?
- there are no instructions regarding how to behave in specific situations
- the virtues are old fashioned and do not help with modern dilemmas
how is virtue theory not precise science?
the virtues are vague and doesn’t provide specific ethical norms for concrete dilemmas such as abortion and war
how can virtue theory be useful when faced with moral dilemma?
- 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
how can virtue theory not be as useful when faced with moral dilemma?
- 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
what are the cardinal virtues?
temperance, courage, wisdom and justice, all of theses work together
what does MacIntyre argue?
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
what does telos mean?
everything has a purpose
