The Virtue Theory of Ethics

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The Virtue Theory of Ethics

• By Tony, Andy, and Kerry

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Virtues

• Attitudes
• Character Traits
• Developing Highest Potential

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The Virtue Approach The principle states "What
is ethical is what develops moral virtues in
ourselves and our communities."
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Examples of Virtues

• Honesty
• Courage
• Compassion
• Generosity

• Fairness
• Self-Control
• Integrity

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Aristotle(384-322 BCE)

• Philosopher
• everything has a distinctive and essential
  function or activity

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Aristotle(384-322 BCE)

• Aristotle believed that humans were rational
  Animals.

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Aristotle deeply influenced medieval Christian
thinkers.
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St. Thomas Aquinas(1224-1274)

• Aquinas borrowed Aristotles logic of virtue

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St. Thomas Aquinas(1224-1274)

• Believed reason was not an end in itself but
  instead a means to better knowing ourselves and
  god.

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Criticisms of Virtue Ethics

• Cultures are often morally incompatible.
• Cultures have different views on virtue.

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Criticisms of Virtue Ethics

• The Idea that facing pain and death is a virtuous
  and necessary experience is widely opposed

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A current Ethical DilemmaEuthanasia

• Euthanasia is the practice of medically assisted
  death.

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Euthanasia

• Virtue theorists are against euthanasia.
• Facing pain and death is a virtuous and necessary
  experience

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Virtue Theorists are pro-life
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Review Questions

1. How likely are you to take a virtuous
   perspective?
2. What are some examples of virtues?

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Review Questions

• 3. Who influenced virtue theory?

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• ANY QUESTIONS?

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THE END