Mae Chow
Most virtue ethics theories take their inspiration from Aristotle who declared that a virtuous person is someone who has ideal character traits 😉 These traits derive from natural internal tendencies, but need to be nurtured; however, once established, they will become stable 👍 One example of a virtue person would be someone who does her duty and is compassionate in all situations. The theories of virtue ethics, unlike deontological or consequentialist theories do not seek to determine universal moral principles that can be applied to all situations. And virtue ethics theories deal with wider questions—“How should I live?” and “What is the good life?” and “What are proper family and social values?” [1]
Aristotle views ethical theory as distinct from theoretical science. Its methodology must match its subject matter—good action—and must respect the fact that in this field many generalizations hold only for the most part. Our primary concern in ethics is to enhance our lives. Plato and Socrates were right in recognizing the centrality of virtues for a happy life. Plato’s ethical virtues, such as courage, justice, and temperance, are complex social, rational and emotional skills. Aristotle is the same. But he rejects Plato’s idea that to be completely virtuous one must acquire, through a training in the sciences, mathematics, and philosophy, an understanding of what goodness is. For us to be able to live well, we have need of a true appreciation of how such goods like friendship, pleasure and virtue, as well as wealth, honor dignity, and honourr are interconnected. We must learn, by proper education and good habits, how to recognise when a particular case calls for a different course of action. Practical wisdom cannot be learnt by simply learning the rules. It is essential that we practise the deliberative, social, and emotional skills necessary to be able to apply our knowledge of well-being to every situation. Christe O. Last edited this page 35 days ago From Kaduna, Nigeria) [2]
Currently, virtue ethics is one of the three main approaches to normative ethics. Initially, it may be defined as one that stresses virtues or moral character. This is in contrast with the approaches that stress duties and rules (deontology), or emphasise the consequences of action (consequentialism). Let’s say that it becomes obvious that someone is in dire need of assistance. A utilitarian will point to the fact that the consequences of doing so will maximize well-being, a deontologist to the fact that, in doing so the agent will be acting in accordance with a moral rule such as “Do unto others as you would be done by” and a virtue ethicist to the fact that helping the person would be charitable or benevolent. [3]
Based around an Article from plato.stanford.eduAlthough moral theory is not a new way to think about morality or to reflect upon it, it is able to provide systematic thinking that can be applied to such activities. Although ancient moral theory attempts to provide a complete account of every phenomenon that falls under the category of morality, it is not comprehensive. It tries to understand its essence by assuming fragmented opinions and practices. While it is part of the business’s nature to critique and evaluate some practices and opinions, that is not its main goal. Ancient moral theory attempts to offer a framework for understanding the world. Reflective account of an essential human activity so one can grasp what is of fundamental importance You should pursue this goal. The historical order in which the theories are to be considered is that of Socrates, as presented by Plato in his Republic and certain dialogues with him; Aristotle; Cynics; Cyrenaic Hedonism; Epicurus. Also the Stoics. And Pyrrhonian Skepticism. Patricia Betancourt (Anshun, China), last modified this article 64 days ago [4]
The difference between three major moral philosophies is illustrated by ethicists Robert Arp and Mark White. Film The Dark Knight where Batman has the opportunity to kill The Joker. White and Arp both suggest that Utilitarians would support the killing of Joker. Batman might save many lives by taking one more life. Deontologists, on the other hand, would reject killing the Joker simply because it’s wrong to kill. But a virtue ethicist “would highlight the character of the person who kills the Joker. Does Batman want to be the kind of person who takes his enemies’ lives?” No, in fact, he doesn’t. This article was revised by Annalisa MacFadden, April 23, 2021. [5]
