Virtue theory

Question 1

What is virtue theory?

Answer 1

Ethical system based on defining the personal qualities that make a person moral

Question 2

Normative Ethics

Answer 2

The study of the principles, rules, or theories that guide our actions and judgments

Question 3

Aristotle: 3 types of person developing virtuous character

Answer 3

• Sophron: Finds it easy to be moderate with little effort
• Enkrates: Must work hard but can achieve virtue
• Akrates: Weak willed and cannot overcome temptation

Question 4

What is the goal of human existence?

Answer 4

Eudaimonia

Question 5

How do you achieve eudaimonia?

Answer 5

developing virtues (Arete)

Question 6

2 Kinds of Arete

Answer 6

Moral
Intellectual

Question 7

What is a moral virtue?

Answer 7

A trait of character expressed by behaviour, can be acquired through habit

Question 8

What is an intellectual virtue?

Answer 8

A trait of rational thought, acquired through learning learning and experience

Question 9

Aristotle’s explanation of a virtue

Answer 9

• The mean (midpoint) between 2 vices
  excess or deficiency

Question 10

Example = the virtue of courage

Answer 10

vice of excess: rashness
vice of deficiency: cowardice

Question 11

Aristotle explains the best way to think about the mean

Answer 11

‘the mean considered relatively to ourselves’

Question 12

What is essential to developing?

Answer 12

living in a community, friendship

Question 13

How to learn moral virtues

Answer 13

habit

Question 14

St. Ambrose theological virtues

Answer 14

• faith
• hope
• love (charity)

Question 15

Bible teaching on virtues

Answer 15

‘sermon on the mount’ in the book of Matthew 5:3-12

the ‘Beatitudes’ - encourage positive transformation (love, charity, modesty) from Jesus

Question 16

1 Corinthians 13:13

Answer 16

St. Paul prioritises the virtues of faith, hope, and charity superior to any other

Question 17

Aquinas’ four cardinal virtues

Answer 17

prudence, temperance, justice and fortitude

Question 18

C. Non-normative

Answer 18

no actual rules to follow

Question 19

C. Practicality

Answer 19

not applicable to every situation

Question 20

C. Cultural Relativism

Answer 20

not understood and recognised by everyone at every time

Question 21

C. Immoral justification

Answer 21

Has the ability to justify immoral acts

Question 22

C. Ancient Values

Answer 22

‘modesty’ really applicable today?

Question 23

C. Elitist

Answer 23

Aristotle claimed that someone without a formal education could never reach true morality

Question 24

William Frankena

Answer 24

“virtues without principles are blind”

Question 25

Strengths of virtue theory

Answer 25

• Pro-active
• Takes the entire person into account
• fits christian values, and those which reach beyond religion
• welfare of whole community