Ethics - Module 8 Flashcards
(30 cards)
Existence or lack of virtues such as integrity, courage, fortitude, honesty, and loyalty
Moral Character
the term “character” comes from the ancient Greek term ___, which initially referred to the __
charaktêr ; mark impressed upon a coin
It later came to refer more generally to any distinctive feature by which one thing is distinguished from others
charaktêr
Commonly in literature, it often refers to a set of qualities or characteristics that can be used to differentiate between persons.
Character
In philosophy, it is typically used to refer to the particularly moral dimension of a person.
Character
Aristotle most often used the term _ for character, which is etymologically linked to “ethics” and “morality” (via the Latin equivalent mores)
ēthē
represents the concept that individual’s actions are based upon inner moral virtue where Aristotle was the leading figure of it
Virtue Ethics
two distinct of human excellences accd to Atistotle’s Nicomachean Ethics
excellences of thoughts and excellences of character
He suggests that virtue should not be thought of as a moral requirement, because this confuses with a principle or rule. Rather, virtue is a character trait that is socially valued.
Beauchamp
According to Aristotle, these are tendencies to act, to feel, and judge, tendencies which are developed from natural capacity through proper training and exercise.
Virtues
Aristotle, virtue depends on what?
clear judgment, self-control, symmetry of desire, and artistry of means.
a principle that suggests that a moral behavior is one that is in the middle of two extremes
doctrine of the mean
can be defined simply as the just mean.
moral virtue
particular kinds of properties or characteristics that objects can possess.
Dispositions
A trait for which the agent is deserving of a positive reactive attitude, such as praise or gratitude,
Virtue
a trait for which the agent is deserving of a negative reactive attitude, such as resentment or blame
Vice
Three aspects of action relevant to action on character
repetition of action and its effect on the person, the type of action, and intention and responsibility.
Actions can be repetitive or automatic in (at least) three different ways:
by habit, by education, by habitus
the physician who automatically writes a prescription for contraception for patients who ask and no longer thinks it through
Action by habit
These actions are done without consciously thinking through all the steps and reasoning and judgments
Action by education
Inclination or disposition, an inclination, a willingness, to respond charitably to anyone in need as the situation arises.
Action by haitus
Types of Actions by humans accd. to Aquinas
Acts of a Human Being (actus humanus) and Human Acts (actus humanis)
Two important aspects of the revelatory nature of action
Responsibility and intention
rational power of human beings to act
Will
