Download The Virtue Theory of Ethics - Moraine Park Technical College

The Virtue Theory of
Ethics
By Tony, Andy, and Kerry
Virtues
Attitudes
Character Traits
Developing Highest
Potential
The Virtue Approach
The principle states: "What is ethical is
what develops moral virtues in ourselves
and our communities."
Examples of Virtues
 Honesty
 Fairness
 Courage
 Self-Control
 Compassion
 Integrity
 Generosity
Aristotle
(384-322 BCE)
Philosopher
“ everything has a
distinctive and
essential function or
activity”
Aristotle
(384-322 BCE)
Aristotle believed that humans were
“rational Animals.”
Aristotle deeply influenced
medieval Christian thinkers.
St. Thomas Aquinas
(1224-1274)
Aquinas borrowed
Aristotle’s “logic of
virtue”
St. Thomas Aquinas
(1224-1274)
Believed reason was not an end in
itself but instead a means to better
knowing ourselves and god.
Criticisms of Virtue Ethics
Cultures are often morally
incompatible.
Cultures have different views on
virtue.
Criticisms of Virtue Ethics
The Idea that facing pain and death is
a virtuous and necessary
experience is widely opposed
A current Ethical Dilemma
Euthanasia
Euthanasia is the practice
of medically assisted
death.
Euthanasia
 Virtue theorists are against euthanasia.
 Facing pain and death is a virtuous and
necessary experience
Virtue Theorists are pro-life
Review Questions
1. How likely are you to take a
virtuous perspective?
2. What are some examples of
virtues?
Review Questions
3. Who influenced virtue theory?
ANY
QUESTIONS
?
THE END