VIRTUE ETHICS
FINALS, LESSON 1
WHAT IS VIRTUE ETHICS?
Virtue ethics is currently one of three major approaches in
normative ethics.
• It may, initially, be identified as the one that emphasizes the virtues,
or moral character, in contrast to the approach that emphasizes
duties or rules (deontology) or that emphasizes the consequences
of actions (consequentialism).
A DEONTOLOGIST, ETHICIST, AND UTILITARIAN
Suppose it is obvious that someone in need should be helped.
• A utilitarian will point to the fact that the consequences of doing so will maximize
well-being.
• a deontologist to the fact that, in doing so the agent will be acting in accordance with a
moral rule such as “Do unto others as you would be done by”
• a virtue ethicist to the fact that helping the person would be charitable or benevolent.
WHAT IS VIRTUE?
A virtue is an excellent trait of character.
• It is a disposition, well entrenched in its possessor to notice,
expect, value, feel, desire, choose, act, and react in certain
characteristic ways.
To possess a virtue is to be a certain sort of person with
a certain complex mindset.
VIRTUE ETHICS
Virtue ethics places emphasis on the development of
virtuous character traits rather than focusing solely on
rules or the consequences of actions.
•Virtues are qualities such as honesty, integrity, courage,
compassion, and fairness.
NICHOMANCHEAN ETHICS
Nicomachean Ethics is a work of moral philosophy written by Aristotle. It is
named after his son, Nicomachus.
• The primary focus of the Nicomachean Ethics is the exploration of what it
means to live a good and virtuous life.
Aristotle aims to identify the highest good (or "eudaimonia,"
often translated as "flourishing" or "well-being") and the virtues
that contribute to achieving this good.
WHAT IS PRACTICAL WISDOM OR PHRONESIS?
• Another way in which one can easily fall short of full
virtue is through lacking phronesis—moral or
practical wisdom.
The concept of a virtue is the concept of
something that makes its possessor good: a
virtuous person is a morally good, excellent or
admirable person who acts and feels as she
should.
PHRONESIS ACCORDING TO ARISTOTLE
Aristotle distinguished between different types of knowledge,
and phronesis is specific to practical or moral knowledge that
helps individuals navigate and make good choices in the
complexities of everyday life.
It involves an understanding of what is morally and
ethically right, as well as the ability to apply this
understanding to particular situations.
EXAMPLES OF PHRONESIS
• A school principal is deciding on disciplinary measures for a student who
violated school policies.
The principal considers not only the rules broken but also the student's
background, potential reasons for the behavior, and the impact of the
disciplinary action on the student's future.
✔ The decision reflects a balance of justice, empathy, and a long-term view
of the student's development.
A doctor must decide whether to disclose a difficult diagnosis to a
terminally ill patient.
The doctor considers not only the medical facts but also the
patient's emotional state, family dynamics, and the potential
impact of the information on the patient's quality of life. The
decision reflects a balance of truthfulness, compassion, and
sensitivity to the patient's well-being.
VIRTUES AND VICES
LESSON 2
VIRTUES
Virtues are positive traits of character that are considered
morally good and desirable.
These traits guide individuals in making ethical
decisions and behaving in a morally commendable
way.
THE ROLE OF VIRTUES IN ETHICS
Virtues play a central role in virtue ethics, an ethical framework that
emphasizes the development of virtuous character as the key to ethical
decision-making.
The focus is on cultivating and embodying positive traits to lead a
morally fulfilling life.
CULTIVATION OF VIRTUE
Virtues are often considered stable dispositions that can be
cultivated and developed over time. Moral education and practice
contribute to the formation of virtuous character.
VIRTUOUS ACTIONS = CONTRIBUTION TO THE
COMMUNITY
Virtuous actions are not just about adhering to abstract principles but also about fostering
positive relationships and contributing to the well-being of the community.
EUDAIMONIA
The term "eudaimonia" is often translated as "flourishing," "well-being,"
or "human flourishing." It represents the ultimate goal or highest
good that individuals should seek in their lives.
Eudaimonia is not a fleeting emotional state or a momentary
experience of pleasure.
It is a comprehensive and lasting state of well-being that is achieved through
the development of a virtuous character and the fulfillment of one's
potential over the course of a lifetime.
Eudaimonia is intimately connected to the cultivation and
exercise of virtues.
Aristotle argued that virtues are character traits that contribute to a
flourishing life.Virtues such as courage, wisdom, justice, and
compassion are seen as integral to the pursuit and realization of
eudaimonia.
Telos (Purpose)
Telos refers to the ultimate purpose or aim of human life—the idea
that human beings have a natural end towards which they strive.
EUDAIMONIA
Eudaimonia is the ultimate goal or telos in virtue ethics according to
Aristotle.
• It is not simply happiness in the sense of fleeting pleasure but a
state of overall well-being and fulfillment that comes from living a
virtuous life.
• Virtues are seen as the means to achieve eudaimonia.
Aristotle considered eudaimonia to be the highest and most
desirable good for human beings.
Unlike other ethical theories that focus on subjective happiness
or pleasure, virtue ethics argues that eudaimonia is an objective
and final good—something that is valuable in itself and not
merely as a means to another end.
VICES
Vices are negative moral qualities or character flaws
that are considered undesirable and harmful. They
represent habits or tendencies that lead to morally
objectionable behavior.
VICES ARE A LACK OF PHRONESIS
The Individuals dominated by vices may lack practical wisdom or
phronesis.
This results in poor decision-making, as vices often blind individuals
to the broader ethical implications of their actions.