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Modern version of Aristotle's Ethics
Aristotle’s view of virtue
Aristotle’s view of virtue
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Virtue ethics is a moral theory that was first developed by Aristotle. It suggests that humans are able to train their characters to acquire and exhibit particular virtues. As the individual has trained themselves to develop these virtues, in any given situation they are able to know the right thing to do. If everybody in society is able to do the same and develop these virtues, then a perfect community has been reached. In this essay, I shall argue that Aristotelian virtue ethics is an unsuccessful moral theory. Firstly, I shall analyse Aristotelian virtue ethics. I shall then consider various objections to Aristotle’s theory and evaluate his position by examining possible responses to these criticisms. I shall then conclude, showing why Aristotelian virtue ethics is an unpractical and thus an unsuccessful moral theory in reality.
Aristotle develops his virtue ethics by first considering ends and goods. He claims that “every action and decision, seems to seek some good” (Shafer-Landau 2013, 615). Aristotle states that we pursue certain things because of the benefits it brings itself and other consequences it may bring. Aristotle suggests that this is the same for goodness. We must pursue what is good for good itself and for any other benefits it may bring. Furthermore, Aristotle suggests that through pursuing the good, we are able to determine the best way of life (Shafer-Landau 2013, 615).
From examining ends and goods, Aristotle formulates eudaimonia. He questions “what is the highest of all the goods achievable in action?” (Shafer-Landau 2013, 616). Aristotle argues that the majority of people agree that the highest good is achieving happiness, however, they disagree over what happiness actually is, for example, some claim t...
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... individuals interpret human experience in different ways and thus interpret virtues in different ways. This means that virtue ethics cannot be an objective and universal theory. This, consequently, causes Aristotelian virtue ethics to be an unpractical and unsuccessful moral theory in reality. This is because there cannot be an agreed consensus of what is the actual mean, the virtue, between the vices of deficiency and excess.
Word Count: 1988
Works Cited
Hursthouse, Rosalind. "Virtue Ethics", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2013 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL = .
Lemos, J. (2007) ‘Foot and Aristotle on Virtues and Flourishing’ Philosophia, Volume 35, Issue 1, 43-62.
Shafer-Landau, R. (2013) Ethical Theory: An Anthology (Second Edition). West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
In this article “On Virtue Ethics”, Rosalind Hursthouse attempts to formulate and defend her moral philosophy of neo-Aristotelian virtue ethics to its rivals utilitarianism and deontology. She is also interested in rebutting claims that virtue ethics cannot give us guidance on what to do in a particular situation because it emphasizes on character formation. She does this by saying that there are claims that virtue ethics cannot be a genuine rival towards utilitarianism and deontology (often referred to as duty ethics), because virtue ethics is “agent-centered” rather than “What sorts of actions should I do?” These claims state that ethical theories should be able to tell us about right actions which utilitarianism and deontology do. However, she fights back by saying that virtue ethics says that right action is an action that is among those available. It is an action that a virtuous human would do characteristically under the circumstances that they are in. She then goes on to say that with virtue ethics the agent is one who has, and exercises, certain character traits which are virtues. This means that virtue is a character trait a human being needs to flourish in life. She compares this with the other two saying that while utilitarianism and deontology introduce consequences and moral rule, virtue ethics does not focus on that and rather focuses on the virtuous agent and the criteria that person follows.
Simply defined, happiness is the state of being happy. But, what exactly does it mean to “be happy?” Repeatedly, many philosophers and ideologists have proposed ideas about what happiness means and how one attains happiness. In this paper, I will argue that Aristotle’s conception of happiness is driven more in the eye of ethics than John Stuart Mill. First, looking at Mill’s unprincipled version of happiness, I will criticize the imperfections of his definition in relation to ethics. Next, I plan to identify Aristotle’s core values for happiness. According to Aristotle, happiness comes from virtue, whereas Mill believes happiness comes from pleasure and the absence of pain. Ethics are the moral principles that govern a person’s behavior which are driven by virtues - good traits of character. Thus, Aristotle focuses on three things, which I will outline in order to answer the question, “what does it mean to live a good life?” The first of which is the number one good in life is happiness. Secondly, there is a difference between moral virtues and intellectual virtues and lastly, leading a good life is a state of character. Personally and widely accepted, happiness is believed to be a true defining factor on leading a well intentioned, rational, and satisfactory life. However, it is important to note the ways in which one achieves their happiness, through the people and experiences to reach that state of being. In consequence, Aristotle’s focus on happiness presents a more arguable notion of “good character” and “rational.”
In this essay I will consider the objections to Virtue Ethics (VE) raised by Robert Louden in his article entitled On Some Vices of Virtue Ethics which was published in 1984. It is important to note at the outset of this essay that it was not until 1991 that the v-rules came up in literature. So Louden is assuming throughout his article that the only action guidance that VE can give is “Do what the virtuous agent would do in the circumstances.” I will be addressing Louden’s objections with the benefit of knowing about the v-rules. First of all, let us discuss what VE is. VE is a normative ethical theory that emphasises the virtues or moral character, thus it focuses on the moral agent. It differs from Deontology which emphasises duties or rules, and Utilitarianism which emphasises the consequences of our actions.
Greek philosopher, Aristotle is one of the founding fathers of virtue ethics; a system of ethics that would approach a decision and determine the right action in any particular case or non-virtuous person, think through problems rationally, and the end result would benefit or lead the individual to happiness (Stanford Philosophy, “Virtue Ethics”). Virtue is concerned with actions, emotions, emotional reactions, choices, values, desires, perceptions, attitudes, interests, expectations, and sensibilities. If one lives a virtuous life then they will
Those who support the action-guiding rebuttal suggest that there is a lack of rigidity to the virtue ethicist’s approach to the normative question (Athanassoulis, pp. 17). Both Kantian and Utilitarian ethics provide in their doctrine clearly defined rules regarding how to distinguish moral conduct. Critics claim that this rigidity is a strength to the doctrines, allowing its followers to explicitly know how to conduct themselves. Conversely, virtue ethics responds to the normative question by suggesting that men should live a virtuous life through good moral character (Athanassoulis, pp. 1). Critics suggest that imprecision regarding the definition of virtue its application can create an ambiguous understanding of what it means to conduct a ‘good’ life: “A theory that fails to be action-guiding is no good as a moral theory” (Athanassoulis, pp. 17). Consider, for example, a new recruit for the local pick-up football team.
Aristotle has been notable for character, ethics which is known also as virtue ethics, his moral Aristotle has often been seen as a leading theorist because of his moral morality, and the perspective on the purpose of what mankind should do for happiness, and the wellbeing of all involved (Pagen,2008). The teaching of Aristotle carries a static characteristic, and recognizes what is rightful for the fulfillment of accomplishing the ultimate joys of happiness in society. Mankind has an individual purpose to be exceptional in all they pursue towards their happiness. The character plays a major part in people proper conduct in society, and how they achieve this reliable character is based on how they morally conduct themselves.
Virtue is a right or appropriate feeling at the right time , towards the right person or object in the right way . In Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics he discusses different types of virtues such as : fear , honor , magnificence , wit , and truthfulness . Virtue is then held between two extremes , excess and deficiency . Possessing the mean is dependent on the circumstances and requires prudence in order to distinguish what the mean is . Acting virtu...
10. Virtue Ethics- acts on the characteristics that make one as a person of character and integrity rather than on formal rules or the consequences of actions. The nature of virtue ethical decision making is intuitive. According to Aristotle, virtue ethics addresses the purpose of human life, or the meaning of a good active life. Aristotle argues that with excellence and virtue one can achieve great success. Virtues are within us, but their utilization is not automatic.
Throughout this course, I have learned many things about ethics. I now understand the importance and how much of a presence ethics has in my everyday life. Virtue ethics focuses on one’s moral character as the groundwork for one’s behavior. Every human being is teleological and strives to fulfill their purpose in life. There is no one purpose for every individual. This is what creates variation, diversity, and
Virtue Ethics Virtue ethics is a moral theory that depends on the person’s character, rather than on the consequences of an action. Whenever one is following the virtue ethics theory, he/she is focused on becoming the right kind of person by developing certain character traits. The main guidance of their behavior, influenced by virtue ethics, is the deep patterns of each personality: self-control, courage, wisdom, honesty etc. These character traits are called moral virtues, which are often contrasted with intellectual virtues. These virtues are obtained throughout life from experiences. The right kind of person would gain these virtues and develop them, by using all these virtues when dealing with an ethical
The topic for this paper is going to be over a couple of statements I found to be fascinating from virtue ethics. Virtue ethics is Aristotle's’ famous work. It explains how people can be a virtuous person in many ways. For these two statements, I will give my explanation and interpretation of why Aristotle finds these statements to be true and what it means in virtue ethics. Lastly, I will express my opinion on why I do or do not agree with Aristotle’s beliefs.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act, but a habit.” These words from Aristotle summarize his virtue ethics theory, one of western philosophy’s three major theories regarding the ultimate standards of moral evaluation. Virtue ethics is sometimes seen as a bridge between the other two prominent moral theories, utilitarianism and deontology. Through readings, research, and in class discussion, I have concluded that virtue ethics is not really a middle ground between utilitarian and deontological moral theories. These three theories represent individual theories entirely. While all three theories do differ, Aristotle's view is much better than those of Kant and Mill. Throughout this paper I will give arguments for why
There are many philosophical approaches to ethics that are utilized today; however, virtue ethics is one approach that can be examine; Virtue ethics is one philosophy that was developed by Aristotle and other ancient Greeks. Virtue ethics focuses on the quest to understanding and living a life of moral character. The heart of virtue ethics is the insight that what we do flows from who we are and therefore we need to culture a virtuous character if we are going to respond to situations morally. Virtue ethics accentuates personality; which focuses on how individual’s actions versus consequences. One way to look at virtue ethics is to analyze practicing being honest, brave, just, generous, so the person develops honorable and moral character
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times. Then the sand was sunk. Aristotle was a great believer in virtues and the meaning of virtue to him meant being able to fulfil one's functions. Virtue ethics is not so much interested in the question, "What should I do?" but rather the question 'what sort of person should I become?'