Virtue ethics
- Created by: vezting
- Created on: 08-01-16 11:20
View mindmap
- virtue ethics
- key concepts
- based on views of Greek philosopher Aristotle
- 1- all things and humans have a purpose/function- a 'telos'
- 2- a complex explanation of anything would include final cause or purpose
- 3-this purpose is to realise potential and fulfil it
- 4-for humans the ultimate goal is to flourisher- 'eudaimonia'
- 5- this means developing characteristics to be virtuous
- 6-this is not about what people do, but who they are Eg being kind, leads to a kind person
- 7-the end purpose of humanity is rational thought
- the highest good is found in intellectual virtue
- moral vitues
- by living in the practical world meant people must peruse more moral virtues
- courage,
- temperance
- liberality
- magnificence (attitude to wealth)
- greatness of soul (attitude to social inferiors)
- good temper/ gentleness
- agreeable in company
- wittiness
- modesty
- people will gain satisfaction for using these moral virtues by doing the right thing- because its the right thing
- golden mean
- perfect balance between two extremes Eg between cowardice and recklessness
- this is discovered by intellect that leads to moral virtue
- modern virtue ethics
- anscombe- moral absolutes are out of date in society that has abandoned God
- Taylor- rejected divine commands as it stopped people reaching their potential
- Macintyre- virtue-based approaches to ethics are more realistic and applicable to everyday situations
- strengths- encourage people to do good for own sake, make happier life, applies to real-life situations, doing good in itself is good
- weaknesses- which virtues should be developed most? not everyone wants to develop, golden mean not easy to apply, Aristotle gives no guidance during conflict, a selfish theory
- key concepts
Comments
No comments have yet been made