Virtue Ethics

or she is truly a fair person, not by circumstance but he or

-​ Virtue ethics is specific ethical theory that is Virtue is Acquired and a Product of Effort
originally found in the philosophy of the ancient Aristotle;
Greek thinker Aristotle, undoubtedly one of ●​ Virtue is not something a person is born with
history's greatest minds. ●​ It is something that an individual has achieved
-​ This particular moral paradigm has also come to be through:
known as "character ethics" for its primary and 1.​ Effort
special emphasis on the acquisition and 2.​ Dedication
development of an excellent or virtuous character 3.​ Persistence
-​ Practically concerned with the whole question of
The Role of the Community and Others
"what kind of person should I be?" rather than the
common and dominant ethical pursuit as to the -​ One cannot become virtuous apart from the
"right thing to do." community. There is therefore a sense of a
-​ Morality's central theme, based on virtue ethics, communitarian aspect to the attainment and
is..."[mainly about] producing excellent persons, development of virtues.
who act well out of spontaneous goodness and -​ Being alone can sometimes make a person
serve as examples to inspire others" confused, doubtful and with no direction.
-​ But by interacting with others, and playing an
Virtue is a Habit
active role in the community, you can understand
-​ According to Aristotle, the “disposition” to act in and pick up a person’s:
certain ways in response to similar situations, the ●​ Ideas
habits of behaving in certain ways. ●​ Habits
-​ Thus, good conduct arises from habits that can ●​ Decisions
only be acquired by repeated action. ●​ Behaviors
Virtues are Special Moral Qualities Practice makes Perfect
-​ It is a trained behavioral disposition that results in -​ Just like a muscle, it only gets stronger when you
habitual acts of moral goodness. train it more. In the same way, by practicing good
-​ Virtuous act does not automatically turn an values, decisions and mindsets, anyone can get
individual into a virtuous person, since virtue is not better at being good and virtuous.
"just an act" - but a habit. -​ Being good and virtuous isn't going to be done in a
Example: People will likely make the right choice when faced blink of an eye. It is only through the person’s
with ethical challenges willingness and commitment to it will they be able
Virtues is a Trait of Character Manifested in to achieve it.
Habitual Action Virtue is learned in developed:
People become virtuous (or not) Through the formation of
-​ Aristotle believes that virtue is not an innate quality
habits based on their actions
but rather a habit cultivated through consistent
The role of discipline and effort:
action and practice.
Similar to learning any skill, acquiring virtues, require
Example: When a person who possessed and developed a
sustained effort over time
virtue of fairness is often referred as a fair person because he
Trusting the process:
 Virtue Ethics
Success, whether in sports or moral development comes losing your temper won’t solve anything. You calm yourself,
from persistence and learning from experience, individuals decide to let it go, and continue driving safely
must be patient interest that studies practice will lead to
Happiness
excellence
-​ Happiness in ethical philosophy isn't just about
Virtue, Reason, and the Pursuit of Happiness momentary pleasure or satisfaction but about living
are foundational concepts in ethical philosophy. These are a life of deep fulfillment and meaning.
central concepts often intertwined in discussions about the -​ For Aristotle, happiness (eudaimonia) is the highest
moral life and what it means to live well. good and ultimate aim of life, but it is not simply
achieved through the pursuit of pleasure.
Virtue
-​ In contrast, utilitarianism, as advocated by
-​ Represents the qualities of character that enable
philosophers like John Stuart Mill, focuses on
individuals to live morally good lives.
maximizing happiness for the greatest number of
-​ According to Aristotle, virtues are developed
people, with happiness defined as the experience of
through habituation—repeated practice of good
pleasure and the absence of pain
actions until they become part of one's character.
Example: Imagine you’ve spent weeks training for a
Virtues exist as a middle ground, known as the
marathon. The process is tough you have to wake up early,
"Golden Mean,"
push yourself, and sometimes feel exhausted. However, by
-​ Aristotle’s virtue ethics emphasizes that a virtuous
staying committed, you develop the virtues of perseverance
person doesn't just perform good acts but embodies
and discipline. When you finally complete the marathon,
goodness itself,making virtue integral to both one's
you feel a deep sense of fulfillment, not just because you
character and decision- making process.
crossed the finish line but because of the effort and virtues
Example: Someone practicing the virtue of honesty doesn't
you developed along the way
just tell the truth occasionally but does so habitually, making
honesty a core part of who they are. Aristotle’ s Ethical Framework
Aristotle’s ethical framework is deeply rooted in the idea of;
Reason
●​ Virtue
-​ The ability to think logically and make decisions
●​ Reason and,
based on rational principles rather than impulses or
●​ Happiness (eudaimonia)
emotions.
Virtue (Arete)
-​ Immanuel Kant, for example, argued that moral
Moral Virtue: These are traits of character that enable
actions should be driven by reason, which allows us
individuals to act rightly and in moderation.
to determine what is morally right or wrong based
Examples include courage, temperance, and justice.
on universal laws. In his deontological ethics,
Intellectual Virtue: These virtues pertain to the mind and
reason is the foundation of moral duty, meaning we
knowledge, cultivated through teaching and learning.
act ethically when we follow moral rules derived
Wisdom, understanding, and prudence (phronesis) are
from rational thought, regardless of personal desires
examples.
or consequences
Reason (Logos)
Example: Suppose you’re driving and someone cuts you off
For Aristotle, reason is the defining characteristic of human
in traffic. Your first instinct might be to get angry, honk, or
beings. The ability to reason distinguishes us from other
even shout, but then you use reason to think it through.
creatures and is central to ethical behavior. A virtuous
Instead of reacting impulsively, you remind yourself that
person must act in accordance with reason, meaning they
 Virtue Ethics
make choices based on rational deliberation, not on impulse defined as the mental or moral strength to venture,
or emotion. persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty
Eudaimonia (Happiness/Flourishing) Too Little: Cowardice
-​ Aristotle identifies eudaimonia as the highest good Too Much: Foolhardiness, Recklessness
for humans. Golden Mean: All virtues must be with the right amount
-​ According to Aristotle, “Happiness is an activity of depending on what is appropriate for us as individuals and
the soul in accord with perfect virtue.” for the circumstances we face.
-​ Importantly, eudaimonia is not an isolated state but
Critical Evaluation of Virtue Ethics
a process—a life lived in balance and purpose.
Strengths;
Example: A community volunteer who dedicates time to
1.​ Moral Character over Action
help local shelters is engaging in virtuous activity . Their
2.​ The Heart of Morality
consistent efforts to support others not only benefit the
3.​ The Golden Mean
community but also contribute to their sense of purpose
4.​ The Appeal of Virtue Ethics
and fulfillment, embodying eudaimonia.
5.​ Balancing Virtues
Virtue and the Golden Mean
-​ Golden Mean - doctrine of Aristotle
Ancient Greek; 4 basic or cardinal virtues:
●​ Prudence,
●​ Justice,
●​ Temperance, and
●​ Courage

Prudence
defined as the ability of making right decisions from a purely
natural perspective; weigh pros and cons
Too Little: Unwise, Carelessness
Too Much: Extreme Perfectionism, Cowardice

Justice
defined as the maintenance or administration of what is just;
constant determination to give God and neighbor their
rightful due
Too Little: Prejudice, Groundless
Too Much: Tyranny, Oppression

Temperance
defined as the habitual moderation in the indulgence of the
appetites, passions, or created goods
Too Little: Insensibility to any pleasure
Too Much: Intemperance

Courage