Virtue theory Flashcards
What is virtue theory?
Ethical system based on defining the personal qualities that make a person moral
Normative Ethics
The study of the principles, rules, or theories that guide our actions and judgments
Aristotle: 3 types of person developing virtuous character
- Sophron: Finds it easy to be moderate with little effort
- Enkrates: Must work hard but can achieve virtue
- Akrates: Weak willed and cannot overcome temptation
What is the goal of human existence?
Eudaimonia
How do you achieve eudaimonia?
developing virtues (Arete)
2 Kinds of Arete
Moral
Intellectual
What is a moral virtue?
A trait of character expressed by behaviour, can be acquired through habit
What is an intellectual virtue?
A trait of rational thought, acquired through learning learning and experience
Aristotle’s explanation of a virtue
- The mean (midpoint) between 2 vices
excess or deficiency
Example = the virtue of courage
vice of excess: rashness
vice of deficiency: cowardice
Aristotle explains the best way to think about the mean
‘the mean considered relatively to ourselves’
What is essential to developing?
living in a community, friendship
How to learn moral virtues
habit
St. Ambrose theological virtues
- faith
- hope
- love (charity)
Bible teaching on virtues
‘sermon on the mount’ in the book of Matthew 5:3-12
the ‘Beatitudes’ - encourage positive transformation (love, charity, modesty) from Jesus
1 Corinthians 13:13
St. Paul prioritises the virtues of faith, hope, and charity superior to any other
Aquinas’ four cardinal virtues
prudence, temperance, justice and fortitude
C. Non-normative
no actual rules to follow
C. Practicality
not applicable to every situation
C. Cultural Relativism
not understood and recognised by everyone at every time
C. Immoral justification
Has the ability to justify immoral acts
C. Ancient Values
‘modesty’ really applicable today?
C. Elitist
Aristotle claimed that someone without a formal education could never reach true morality
William Frankena
“virtues without principles are blind”
