 The
identity or character of a person
 Attitudes that produce highest human
potential
 Concentrate on the state of mind
which develops our character, strive
to be better for my own sake
Honesty
Courage
Faithfulness
Trustworthiness
Integrity
Fairness
Generosity
Faithful to
obligation
(fidelity)
Self Control

Certain ideals we should strive for
› To provide full development of humanity

Ideals are discovered through
› Thoughtful reflection of what kind of people
we have the potential to become
Attitudes that produce highest human
potential
 Strive to be a good person (not w/rules)

In short, the Virtue Approach
focuses on attitudes,
dispositions, or character
traits that enable us to be
and to act in ways that
develop our human potential
› January 12, 1929 – Current
› Glasgow, Scotland
› “We can begin to work on the kinds of small
communities that are capable of preserving
the practices and virtues even in the face of
liberal capitalism.”
 Whose Justice? Which Rationality? 99

MacIntyre has argued that
Aquinas' combination of theories
are more insightful than modern
moral theories by focusing upon
the telos ('end', or completion) of
a social practice and of a human
life





What benefits and what harms will each course of
action produce, and which alternative will lead to
the best overall consequences?
What moral rights do the affected parties have, and
which course of action best respects those rights?
Which course of action treats everyone the same,
except where there is a morally justifiable reason not
to, and does not show favoritism or discrimination?
Which course of action advances the common
good?
Which course of action develops moral virtues?

Imagine that the natural sciences were
to suffer the effects of a catastrophe….
› A series of environmental disasters [which]
are blamed by the general public on the
scientists

Involves the right sort of emotions and
inner states with respect to our feelings
towards others.

Self Centered
› Morality is determined by our interaction with
others

It’s Not Action-Guiding
› Virtue ethics is based on an inexact system
› Does not show efficient ways to behave

Different cultures and societies have
such a huge variation on what virtue is
› The way women are viewed

Useless as a universal norm of
acceptable conduct suitable as a base
for legislation
› Does not focus on wrong actions
Virtues should be decided by the
community
 Virtues differ based on time and place
 Not possible to base judicial system on
virtues versus rules


What is another way in which the Virtue
theory would cause clash between
cultures?
› Different cultures and societies have such a
huge variation on what virtue is
 The way women are viewed
 The way baby girls are viewed

Can you list 3 of the virtue characteristics?