David Solomon on objections to Virtue Ethics Flashcards
Choose one of the following three objections to virtue ethics described by Solomon: the ‘Self- Centeredness Objection,’ the ‘Action-Guiding Objection,’ and the ‘Contingency Objection.’ Explain the objection, and explain how Solomon responds to the objection in defense of virtue ethics.
Objector: Virtue ethics is self-centered for it focuses too much attention on the agent. What is fundamental is one’s own character, and the goal is to change it from the way it is to the way it should be. But should not ethics be centrally concerned with other people, not yourself?
Virtue Ethicist’s Response: The virtues themselves are concerned with other people: justice, charity, amiability—all are “other-regarding.”
Objector’s response: In virtue ethics you are supposed to care about others’ wellbeing, but about your OWN CHARACTER—so still treating yourself special.
Virtue Ethicist’s Response: Treating yourself special seems to simply be a feature of ethics in general—ethics just is about your own actions/effects/life/soul/motivational structures.
Choose either Plato or Aristotle and answer the following question: How is ____’s ethics an instance of “Virtue Ethics”? What is “Virtue Ethics,” how does it differ from other systems of normative ethics, and how does ____’s ethics fit into that category?
ARISTOTLE
Aristotle’s ethics is a prime example of virtue ethics. Virtue ethics is an ethical framework that emphasizes the importance of moral character, virtues, and the development of virtuous dispositions as the foundation for ethical decision-making. Here’s how Aristotle’s ethics fits into the category of virtue ethics and how it differs from other systems of normative ethics:
Virtue Ethics:
Virtue ethics focuses on the cultivation of moral virtues, such as courage, honesty, and compassion, as central to living a good and ethical life.
It emphasizes the development of virtuous character as the key to making morally right choices rather than relying solely on rules or consequences.
Virtue ethicists believe that ethical principles arise from virtuous character and that ethical actions flow naturally from virtuous dispositions.
Aristotle’s Ethics as Virtue Ethics:
Aristotle’s ethics, outlined in his Nicomachean Ethics, is quintessentially virtue ethics. It centers on the concept of eudaimonia, often translated as “flourishing” or “happiness,” which is achieved through the cultivation of moral virtues.
Differences from Other Systems of Normative Ethics: Aristotle’s virtue ethics differs from other normative ethical theories like deontology (e.g., Kantian ethics) and consequentialism (e.g., utilitarianism) in several ways:
Focus on Character: Virtue ethics prioritizes the development of moral character over adherence to rules (deontology) or the calculation of consequences (consequentialism).
Contextual Ethics: Virtue ethics is more context-specific and allows for moral flexibility based on particular situations, whereas deontology and consequentialism often provide universal principles or guidelines.
End-Oriented: Virtue ethics emphasizes the ultimate goal of eudaimonia, whereas deontology and consequentialism typically focus on the morality of actions themselves or their outcomes.
In summary, Aristotle’s ethics is an instance of virtue ethics because it places moral character, the cultivation of virtues, and the pursuit of eudaimonia at its core. It differs from other normative ethical theories by prioritizing character over rules and encouraging individuals to exercise practical wisdom in ethical decision-making.
Choose either Plato or Aristotle and answer the following question: How is ____’s ethics an instance of “Virtue Ethics”? What is “Virtue Ethics,” how does it differ from other systems of normative ethics, and how does ____’s ethics fit into that category?
PLATO
Plato’s ethics can be classified as a form of “Virtue Ethics,” which is a normative ethical theory that emphasizes the importance of cultivating virtuous character traits as the foundation for ethical decision-making.
Differences from other systems of normative ethics:
Deontological Ethics (e.g., Kantian ethics) is centered on duty and principles. It prescribes certain actions as morally right or wrong based on universal rules or duties.
Consequentialist Ethics (e.g., utilitarianism) evaluates actions based on their outcomes or consequences, aiming to maximize overall happiness or minimize harm.
Virtue Ethics, on the other hand, is not primarily concerned with specific rules or outcomes but with the development of virtuous character traits, such as honesty, courage, wisdom, and justice.
Plato’s Virtue Ethics:
Plato’s ethical philosophy, as outlined in work “The Republic” is often considered an early example of Virtue Ethics.
Plato believed that the ultimate goal of human life is to achieve eudaimonia, which is often translated as “happiness” or “flourishing.” He argued that this can be attained through the cultivation of virtues and the pursuit of wisdom.
Plato identified four cardinal virtues: wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice. These virtues are interrelated, with wisdom being the highest virtue that guides the others.
According to Plato, individuals should seek to develop these virtues through education and philosophical contemplation, leading to a harmonious and just society.
In summary, Plato’s ethics align with Virtue Ethics because they prioritize the development of virtuous character traits as the foundation of moral action. Unlike Deontological Ethics and Consequentialist Ethics, which focus on rules or outcomes, Virtue Ethics emphasizes the importance of becoming a virtuous person to make ethical decisions. Plato’s identification of cardinal virtues and his emphasis on wisdom and justice make his ethical philosophy a prominent example of Virtue Ethics within the history of philosophy.
How can Plato and Aristotle’s views each be seen as examples of virtue ethics?
Plato’s Virtue Ethics:
Theory of the Tripartite Soul: In Plato’s “Republic,” he presents the theory of the tripartite soul, which consists of three parts: reason, spirit (thumos), and appetite. Plato argues that virtue consists in the proper harmony and balance among these three parts. Wisdom, courage, and moderation are key virtues, and they involve reason’s control over the other parts of the soul.
The Cardinal Virtues: Plato also discusses the concept of the “cardinal virtues” in his works, which include wisdom (phronesis), courage (andreia), temperance (sophrosyne), and justice (dikaiosyne). These virtues are central to the well-ordered soul and a just society.
The Philosopher-King: In Plato’s ideal society, the philosopher-king is the epitome of virtue. These rulers possess wisdom and are just and virtuous, guiding the state towards the highest good.
Aristotle’s Virtue Ethics:
Golden Mean: Aristotle’s virtue ethics is often associated with the concept of the “golden mean.” He argues that virtues are a mean between extremes of deficiency and excess. For example, courage is the mean between cowardice and recklessness. Virtue, according to Aristotle, is about finding the right balance in one’s actions.
Eudaimonia: Aristotle’s ultimate goal in virtue ethics is eudaimonia, often translated as “happiness” or “flourishing.” He believes that living a virtuous life leads to eudaimonia, as virtuous actions align with the true nature of humans and fulfill their potential.
Virtue as a Habit: Aristotle sees virtue as a habit that is developed through practice and experience. Virtuous actions become second nature to individuals who cultivate virtuous habits over time.
Key Differences:
Metaphysical Basis: Plato’s virtue ethics is grounded in metaphysical concepts like the existence of the Forms or Ideals, while Aristotle’s virtue ethics is more focused on the empirical observation of human nature.
Individual vs. Societal Emphasis: Plato places a strong emphasis on the role of the philosopher-ruler and the ideal society, whereas Aristotle’s virtue ethics is more concerned with individual character development and eudaimonia.
Approach to Virtue: Plato emphasizes the importance of knowledge and reason in achieving virtue, while Aristotle emphasizes the importance of practical wisdom (phronesis) and habituation.
In summary, both Plato and Aristotle are considered virtue ethicists because they prioritize the development of virtuous character as the foundation of ethical behavior. However, they have distinct perspectives on the nature of virtue, its basis, and its realization, with Plato’s metaphysical and societal focus differing from Aristotle’s more practical and individual-centered approach.
