Virtue Ethics

Question 1

Definition of Virtue Ethics

Answer 1

Good actions come from good people - we should focus on being virtuous and having good moral character, because then we will know what the right moral decisions to take are

Question 2

Emphasis

Answer 2

Moral character, with the goal to become virtuous, and to intuitively know the right action to take. We can recognise nuances in behaving morally and it enables us to achieve happiness. Humans can learn virtuous traits to lead a good life.

Question 3

Virtue

Answer 3

A virtue is an excellent trait of chracter, fully entrenched in its possessor to feel, value and act in a certain way. Behaviour doesn;t indicate virtue: honesty from fear of being caught cheating for example. A dishonest person may act honestly in situations, but an honest person will never act dishonestly

Question 4

Practical Wisdom

Answer 4

Possessing virtue alone isn’t enough to make someone moral: virtues can also be faults and a person possessing these might not necessarily be considered moral. A moral person must have practical wisdom - knowledge and understanding to do the right thing in any given situation, which comes with life experience.

Question 5

The Golden Mean

Answer 5

Virtues are intermediate conditions between two vices

Question 6

Golden Mean: Deficiency

Answer 6

Cowardice, stinginess, self-depreciation, apathy, unfairness

Question 7

Golden Mean: Virtue

Answer 7

Courage, generosity, trutfulness, ambition, justice

Question 8

Golden Mean: Excess

Answer 8

Rashness, extravagance, boastfulness, greed, punishment

Question 9

Character Reputation

Answer 9

Positive company behaviour doesn’t indicate positive character. Investment in positive social causes may indicate conformity. Honest companies never behave dishonestly.

Question 10

Challenges to virtue ethics

Answer 10

1. No code or set of principles that can be applied to any situation
2. Can it prove an adequate account of morality, can honest people sometimes act dishonestly?
3. Different cultures value different virtues
4. When virtues compete - honesty v kindness/compassion