Virtue Ethics
Overview
We begin with Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, in which we find a normative theory
(https://egcc.instructure.com/courses/26516/pages/definition-of-normative-ethics) focusing on character.
Aristotle thinks developing a virtuous character results in doing the "right" thing. For this reason,
Aristotle's kind of ethics is known as virtue ethics.
Aristotle's Doctrine of the Mean (DoM) articulates what it means to be virtuous. The DoM argues that
virtue is a reasoned mid-point between excess, which is a vice, and deficiency, which is also a vice. A
virtue is an excellence (property) that enables an object (or person) to perform its function well. Take
a knife for example the function of a knife is to cut, and sharpness is a property that enables a knife
to cut well. One of the implications of this approach is that things (objects, humans, plants, etc) must
have somewhat predetermined functions. Aristotle argues that the unique (or even chief) function of
humans is to reason and it's through reasoning well that humans can achieve happiness (which is
our ultimate goal). So the DoM is an approach that enables us to reason about character virtues
(which in turn enable us to act well).
Read
Aristotle (https://egcc.instructure.com/courses/26516/pages/aristotles-nicomachean-ethics-excerpt)
Notes on Aristotle (https://egcc.instructure.com/courses/26516/pages/notes-on-aristotle)
Watch
Aristotle & Virtue Theory: Crash Course Philosophy #38
(Aristotle & Virtue Theory: Crash Course Philosophy #38. (2016, December 5). [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrvtOWEXDIQ)
Complete
Contribute to the Philosophical Concepts Discussion
(https://egcc.instructure.com/courses/26516/discussion_topics/426949)
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(https://egcc.instructure.com/courses/26516/discussion_topics/426956)
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