Download Ethical theories

Ethical theories
Virtue Ethics
Virtue Ethics
A category of ethical theories which see
actions as right or wrong depending on
whether or not they are conductive to or flow
from a good character.

They are sometimes referred to as hero ethics
Virtue ethics works by asking:
“what would the hero do in this
situation?”
Or, if contemplating an
action
“would the hero do this or avoid it?
So…
We should act in a way that is conductive
to a good character, an ideal person
and
We should avoid the things that are counter
productive to the formation of good character.
Christianity is an example of
religious virtue ethics.
According to this view Jesus is the ideal and
followers ought to be more Jesus-like.
Virtue ethics do not set a minimal goal, but rather
they set an ideal goal.
It is not, “Do not break the rule”
But rather
“Strive for excellence!”
Virtue Ethics is very often used in
professional ethics :
(How would an ideal doctor/lawyer behave?)
It is also used to evaluate entire
societies.
“ the us is the only modern western
society to still employ the death
sentence.”
i.e. no civilised (virtuous) nation employs
the death penalty.
 “ Any compassionate , enlightened
(virtuous) society would guarantee
minimal healthcare to its citizens

Problems
1.Where do these standards come from?
What justifies them?
2. Is there one set of standards for all
human beings?
3. It only provides vague guidance as to
specific behaviour
E.g. driving – be courteous, kind … rather than “drive on the
left.”
The main Principles of Virtue Ethics
Based on the Philosophy of Aristotle and revived by
MacIntyre and Anscombe
• Based on Character not actions
• Greek concept – arête - virtue excellence
• Virtue (Aristotle) an inner state arising from harmony,
health, beauty and strength of character.
• Actions are good when they enhance the inner state.
• three characteristics have to be in harmony: wisdom,
coverage/self-control
• “what sort of person ought I be” rather than “what
should I do?”
• Balanced personality leads to good actions
• Aristotle's division of moral and intellectual virtues
Moral
Intellectual
justice
courage
friendliness Practical wisdom
intelligence
patience
Technical and
scientific skills
The two virtues combine to allow a person to live a happy
satisfying life
•
•
Eudaimonia ; (a contented state of being happy and
healthy and prosperous) the final goal of Human activity.