Virtue Theory

Question 1

Which philosopher is associated with Virtue Theory?

Answer 1

Aristotle

Question 2

To the philosopher who subscribes to Virtue Theory, what is “good?”

Answer 2

a good character

Question 3

How is Virtue Theory different than Utilitarianism and Deontology?

Answer 3

virtue ethics asks “what should I be like” instead of “what is the right act”

Question 4

What is a virtue?

Answer 4

• a good character trait, one which fulfills our human nature
• virtue of character is the mean between two vices, between the vices of excess and of deficiency
• ex. bravery is the mean between foolhardiness and cowardliness

Question 5

What is a vice?

Answer 5

• a bad character trait

- a trait of excess or deficiency (uncaring or cossetting)

Question 6

How do you become virtuous?

Answer 6

• by hanging around with virtuous people, building good habits

Question 7

What is the relation between virtue and action?

Answer 7

virtues are dispositions (habits, readiness) to act in different situations rather than actions or types of actions

Question 8

How is virtue different from any particular craft? How is it the same?

Answer 8

• it is the same because they both aim at some good

- for humans, virtue aims at eudaemonia = human flourishing

Question 9

Did Aristotle think that virtues were the same for everyone?

Answer 9

Yes - he thought virtues were fixed by human nature.

Question 10

What are some objections to virtue theory?

Answer 10

• idea that the virtues are fixed by human nature critiqued, even if we could agree it exists, we will never agree on what it is (seems impossible that the “good life” is the same to everyone)
• what to do when virtues conflict
• doesn’t offer much in the way of advice

Question 11

What is a counter-argument to the critique about human nature?

Answer 11

• tie virtues to specific moral communities

- but then how is this different than relativism?