Virtue Theory

Question 1

Definition of “Virtue”

Answer 1

A desiderable characteristc

Question 2

Aristoteles: works and influences

Answer 2

Aristoteles was inspired by Plato and inspired Aquinas and his Natural Law.
He wrote “Nichomachean Ethics”

Question 3

Virtue Theory: characteristics

Answer 3

Relative Theory
Agent centred
Determinated by the individual
All about improve desiderable characteristics (virtues)
Improving characters
Societies have different Virtues
Teleological
The telos is achieving Eudamonia

Question 4

Virtues: characteristics

Answer 4

We should pick twelve virtues to improve.

Each society however could pick its own

Question 5

Doctrine of Golden Mean

Answer 5

Aristoteles argued that we need to achieve the perfect balance of a virtue.
Deficiency or excess of a virtues are vices.
We improve ourselves when we achieve the Golden Mean

Question 6

Types of Virtues

Answer 6

• Moral\practical virtues: a virtue that can be practices to improve our character. We should pick 12 of them.
• Intellectual Virtues: only a philosopher can teach to normal people how to improve them.
• Cardinal Virtues: they are intrinsec and also the most important ones.
• courage
• prudence
• justice
• temperance

Question 7

Analogy of the Ship

Answer 7

The society is like a ship that can’t achieve anything without a goos and wise navigator. Only a philosopher can lead the society to prosperity and success.

Question 8

Type of people

Answer 8

• Philosopher: he can discern the virtues from vices and not only he always choose virtues but he also help others to choose virtues.
• Continent people: they tends to use virtues instead of vices but they still need training
• Incontinent people: they usually choose vices and they need a lot of training
• Vicious people: they always choose vices and there is no hope for them

Question 9

Virtues Theory: formulation

Answer 9

In order to achieve Eudamonia, the best condition that can be achievable, we all should choose always the virtues that most improve our moral character.

Question 10

Phronimos

Answer 10

A phronimos is an ideal person that has the virtues we are trying to achieve. we all should choose a phronimos and follow his behavior in order to understand what a virtue is.

Question 11

Applying VT to abortion

Answer 11

VT doesn’t tell us if abortion is right or wrong. It just tell us that we must conseider the situation and the reasons which push a person to abort. if the action help the person to develop her character maybe it cab ne conseidered as morally right.

Question 12

Challenges to VT

Answer 12

• it’s arbitrary, imprecise and vague
• it’s oppressive
• it justifies oligarchy
• it’s misogynistic
• it doesn’t give nay practical advice
• it is relative but it considers morality as intrinsec, which doesn’t make any sense at all
• it’s utopistic
• the concept of right and wrong are affected to control people
• it is not for everyone