Virtue Ethics

What is it?

virtue theory is a theory that emphasises an individual's character rather than their specific actions

if one is virtuous they know what to do at all times and find the 'golden mean' between two vices

presented by Aristotle who thought that everything - including humans - had a function and it was necessary to fulfill it

Aristotle's Moral Virtues

Aristotle realised that human behaviour is made up of extremes which he called vices of excess and vices of deficiency

an example is: courage is a virtue that falls between cowardice (vice of deficiency) and recklessness (vice of excess)

Jesus' Teachings on Virtues

The Beatitudes are eight blessings recounted in the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew.

Together, the Beatitudes present a new set of Christian ideals that focus on a spirit of love and humility. They echo the ideals of the teachings of Jesus on mercy, spirituality, and compassion

here, courage is the 'golden mean'

Aristotle believed that is was important to be virtuous to reach Eudaimonia - a life well lived

Strengths

encompasses all aspects of life rather than just selective actions

rather than looking for rules, it focuses on what it fundamentally means to be human

fits Christian ethics but also goes beyond

Criticisms

an ethical system built on virtue under emphasises the consequences of an action and instead focuses on the mere style of an agent's conduct

virtue ethics does not offer a precise guideline and fails to address modern dilemmas

difficult to decide who is virtuous, as some good deeds have malicious intent or selfish motives

Virtue Ethics may seek to rationalise some awful actions, like murder

cultural relativism plays a part as ideas on the good virtues are not universal