Virtue Ethics Flashcards
(16 cards)
what does virtue ethics focus on?
it is agent-centred- the focus is on the person doing the action rather than the action itself
what is the difference between virtue ethics and other ethical theories?
Virtue Ethics does not focus on what the right act to do is, it focuses on the qualities and virtues that make them good. it is agent centred rather than act centred
for Aristotle, what is the goal of virtue ethics?
eudamonia. it means happiness and flourishing, fulfilment
where are virtues to be found?
the golden mean- the mean pint between 2 vices and by following the examples of virtuous people.
how does one become virtuous?
developing virtues through habit and developing good character
what is the golden mean?
originated from Aristotle also known as the virtous mean, it is the right balance between two extremes (vices)
what did Aristotle believe the greatest human virtue was?
the life of contemplation and theotretical wisdom is the greatest of human virtues and the highest form of happiness
what is the highest good according to Aristotle?
the highest good because it is sought for its own sake and nothing else
according to Aristotle, what is the best happiness in life?
living well in a community or society, respecting both other people’s and your own interests. morality is found in friendship so for Aristotle, virtue ethics is not a selfish theory but one contributing towards making a society /polis virtous
Aristotle’s concern was primarily on the well being if the polos. what is a polis ?
when Aristotle used the word polis, he is reffering to the community which embraces all other community; the state that is concerned with the common good. Virtue ethics was mainly intended to provide a community in which citizens love a meaningful social and political lives.
what type of animals are people according to Aristotle?
social and political animals
what did Aristotle say was the best way of achieving eudamonia?
by developing and exercising those qualities that are most productive for living in society. Extremes of character are unhelpful in society.
what are extremes of virtues called?
vices
give an example of a vice of excess and vice of deficiency if the virtous mean is courage
vice if excess= rashness
vice of deficiency= cowardice
what did Aristotle say is the quality that sets us apart from animals and is the supreme human virtue?
reason
what is an Arete
a skill that become a excellent thigh practice such as virtues. if one practices and makes a habit out of being virtous, soon, good actions will automatically follow
