Virtue Ethics
- Created by: Beth Millward
- Created on: 08-06-15 14:32
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- Virtue Ethics
- Aristotle
- all things and all human beings have a purpose or function
- a telos
- a complete explanation of anything would include its final cause or purpose
- purpose is to realise its potential and to fulfil its goal
- ultimate goal is human flourishing
- eudaimonia
- means developing those characteristics best suited to a person becoming virtuous
- not about what people do, but what kind of person they are
- e.g. being kind leads to someone being a kind person
- not about what people do, but what kind of person they are
- means developing those characteristics best suited to a person becoming virtuous
- eudaimonia
- highest good is to be found in intellectual vritue
- people must pursue moral virtues
- courage
- temperance
- liberality
- magnificence
- ones attitude towards ones wealth
- greatness of soul
- attitudes to social inferiors
- good temper or gentleness
- being agreeable in company
- wittiness
- modesty
- these virtues are qualities that lead to a good life
- people should cultivate these qualities to maximise their potential for a happy life (eudaimonia)
- right way to act is the golden mean
- perfect balance between two extremes
- discovered by intellect and leading to wisdom and moral virtue
- e.g. golden mean between cowardice and recklessness is courage
- discovered by intellect and leading to wisdom and moral virtue
- not easy to apply in all situations
- perfect balance between two extremes
- prudence
- the way to cultivate good virtues is to learn from others and act in such a way that the virtue becomes a part of character
- emphasis on masculine virtues e.g. bravery, little on feminine virtues e.g. compassion
- all things and all human beings have a purpose or function
- modern virtue ethics
- philosopher Elizabeth Anscombe
- moral absolutes and laws are out of date in a society that has abandoned God
- Richard Taylor
- rejected divine commands because he felt they discouraged people from achieving their potential
- philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre
- virtue-based approaches to ethics more realistic and applicable to people's everyday situations
- philosopher Elizabeth Anscombe
- strengths
- encourages people to do good for its own sake
- can lead to a happier life
- applies to real life situations
- doing good is, in itself, good
- encourages people to do good for its own sake
- weaknesses
- not everyone wants to develop these virtues
- how do we decide which virtues are those to be developed the most?
- why should we prefer certain ideals to others
- not everyone believes they are intrinsically good
- Aristotle gives no guidance where virtues may conflict
- selfish theory
- only relevant to those with the time to engage in speculative moral philosophy
- Aristotle
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