Ethical theories

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Ethical theories

• Virtue Ethics

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Virtue Ethics

• A category of ethical theories which see actions
  as right or wrong depending on whether or not
  they are conductive to or flow from a good
  character.

They are sometimes referred to as hero ethics
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Virtue ethics works by asking
what would the hero do in this situation?
Or, if contemplating an action
would the hero do this or avoid it?
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So
We should act in a way that is conductive to a
good character, an ideal person
and
We should avoid the things that are counter
productive to the formation of good character.
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Christianity is an example of religious virtue
ethics.
According to this view Jesus is the ideal and
followers ought to be more Jesus-like.
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Virtue ethics do not set a minimal goal, but
rather they set an ideal goal. It is not, Do
not break the rule But rather Strive for
excellence!
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Virtue Ethics is very often used in professional
ethics (How would an ideal doctor/lawyer
behave?)
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It is also used to evaluate entire societies.

• the us is the only modern western society to
  still employ the death sentence.
• i.e. no civilised (virtuous) nation employs the
  death penalty.
• Any compassionate , enlightened (virtuous)
  society would guarantee minimal healthcare to its
  citizens

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Problems

• Where do these standards come from?
• What justifies them?

2. Is there one set of standards for all human
beings?
3. It only provides vague guidance as to
specific behaviour
E.g. driving be courteous, kind rather than
drive on the left.
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The main Principles of Virtue Ethics

• Based on the Philosophy of Aristotle and revived
  by MacIntyre and Anscombe

• Based on Character not actions

• Greek concept arête - virtue excellence

• Virtue (Aristotle) an inner state arising from
  harmony,
• health, beauty and strength of character.

• Actions are good when they enhance the inner
  state.

• three characteristics have to be in harmony
  wisdom, coverage/self-control

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• what sort of person ought I be rather than
  what
• should I do?

• Balanced personality leads to good actions

• Aristotle's division of moral and intellectual
  virtues

Intellectual
Moral
justice
intelligence
friendliness
Practical wisdom
courage
patience
Technical and scientific skills
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• The two virtues combine to allow a person to
  live a happy satisfying life

• Eudaimonia (a contented state of being happy
  and
• healthy and prosperous) the final goal of Human
  activity.