Strengths and Weaknesses Flashcards
(5 cards)
What is the main strengths of virtue ethics?
-One of the central strengths of Virtue Ethics is its focus on the cultivation of moral character rather than strict adherence to rules. Aristotle argued that the goal of ethics is eudaimonia—a state of human flourishing achieved through the development of virtues such as courage, justice, and temperance
-For Aristotle, ethics is not about performing isolated good acts but about becoming a good person through habituation and practical wisdom (phronesis)
-Philippa Foot supports this view, claiming that Virtue Ethics motivates people to become virtuous by appealing to their desire to live well, rather than compelling them to follow rules out of obligation
-This is especially persuasive when considering figures like Martin Luther King Jr., whose refusal to retaliate with violence during civil rights protests demonstrated the virtue of temperance. By responding to hatred with non-violence and forgiveness, King embodied key Aristotelian virtues, showing how moral character, not rule-following, can guide individuals toward both personal integrity and social justice
What are the main weaknesses are virtue ethics?
-A key criticism of Virtue Ethics is its lack of clear guidance in moral dilemmas, which can lead to inconsistency in decision-making. Robert Louden argues that its focus on character development risks justifying immoral actions under the guise of personal growth. He gives the extreme example of someone framing rape as a ‘learning experience,’ exposing how the theory struggles to draw firm ethical boundaries
-This highlights a serious flaw: without clear rules, Virtue Ethics may fail to adequately condemn objectively harmful actions
-Peter Singer adds a different but equally pressing critique, arguing that Virtue Ethics is limited by its anthropocentric bias. By focusing solely on human virtues, the theory excludes moral consideration for non-human animals, despite evidence from primate studies showing behaviours such as empathy and fairness
-If moral insight can be found beyond the human sphere, then a theory rooted in exclusively human character traits seems narrow and outdated
How could you argue that despite its weaknesses virtue ethics has more strengths?
-While it is true that Virtue Ethics does not offer a rigid formula for resolving moral dilemmas, this is precisely what gives it strength. Unlike deontological systems, which can feel abstract, impersonal, or—as some critics put it—“boring,” Virtue Ethics embraces the complexity of real moral life
-Aristotle himself emphasised that the right action depends on the circumstances, with virtues like courage lying between extremes of deficiency and excess
-This focus on context and character may lack precision, but it mirrors the nuanced decisions individuals face daily
-Critics who dismiss the theory as outdated overlook how thinkers like Alasdair MacIntyre have revitalised it for modern use. MacIntyre argues that “the good life for man is the life spent in seeking the good,” highlighting the importance of shared moral narratives rooted in community
-In a world where ethical coherence is often lost—whether in political leadership or climate responsibility—Virtue Ethics offers a powerful alternative. It prioritises honesty, integrity, and consistency of character over rule-following, and in doing so, equips individuals to respond to moral challenges with both clarity and compassion
How could you argue virtue ethics is stronger than NML?
-One of the main strengths of Virtue Ethics is its emphasis on the development of moral character over time, which allows for deeper ethical reflection and long-term transformation (previous strengths)
-Martha Nussbaum also praises Virtue Ethics for its compassionate nature, as it “takes the whole person into account,” recognising the complex nature of real moral life — a strength lacking in Aquinas’ Natural Law, which prioritises universal precepts over individual context
-rebuttal paragraph : While it is true that Virtue Ethics does not provide a formulaic method for solving moral dilemmas, this is precisely what gives it strength. Unlike Natural Moral Law, which can feel overly restrictive and out of touch with modern issues — such as its condemnation of contraception or same-sex relationships — Virtue Ethics allows for flexibility and moral growth in complex situations
How could you argue that NML is stronger than virtue ethics?
-defenders of Natural Moral Law argue that it provides greater clarity and universality in moral decision-making
-Because it is grounded in reason and supposedly reflects an objective natural order given by God, it offers a clear structure: actions are either in line with our telos or not
-This is especially important in contentious issues like abortion or euthanasia, where Natural Moral Law gives firm, consistent answers based on the preservation of life. Critics of Virtue Ethics, by contrast, argue that it is inconsistent in moral dilemmas
-For example, Robert Louden raises concerns that its emphasis on self-improvement can lead to justifying immoral actions — such as someone claiming rape is a growth experience for the sake of personal development ++ more weaknesses or virtue ethics
