Virtue ethics is a normative theory whose foundations were laid by Aristotle. This theory approaches normative ethics in substantially different ways than consequentialist and deontological theories. In this essay, I will contrast and compare virtue ethics to utilitarianism, ethical egoism, and Kantianism to demonstrate these differences. There is one fundamental aspect of virtue ethics that sets it apart from the other theories I will discuss. For the sake of brevity and to avoid redundancy, I will address it separately. This is the fundamental difference between acting ethically within utilitarianism, egoism, and Kantianism. And being ethical within virtue ethics. The other theories seek to define the ethics of actions while virtue ethics does not judge actions in any way. The other theories deal with how we should act, while virtue ethics determines how we should be. The first theory I will compare virtue ethics against is ethical egoism. The two theories share a commonality apart from being normative in nature. They both seek what is best for the doer. Aristotle claimed that happiness is ultimately attained by striving for the “function of man” which is the excellence found within virtue. This is comparable to ethical egoism because of it’s principle of exclusively acting in one’s own best interest. While virtue ethics states that a virtuous character is the goal, ethical egoism is not specific to what is in a person’s best interest. If attaining a virtuous character is
Virtue ethics is a very different approach to the others and central to Aristotle's work. It does not primarily concentrate on the right action as such; the right action according to virtue ethicists is the one that the virtuous agent would do. Virtue ethics takes the central feature of morality to be the virtuous character, and the account of what the virtues are as the basis of the theory.
Virtue ethics sets itself apart from the other two; according to Consequentialists virtue ethics tends to promote good consequences. Virtue ethics does not benefit when it is with itself, but when it is with good standards and choices. It takes account more than just the knowledge of a human; Motivation, emotions, wisdom, moral education, and much more. It scales reason and emotions at the same level whereas consequentialism and deontology prefer reason over emotions. Virtue ethics is described as a more open topic that can be explained in multiple ways compared to consequentialism and deontology which tend to be monistic about value.
Luke is in charge of ABC Company’s land development project in building an adult entertainment store on the land they recently purchased. Unfortunately, his brother, Owen, happens to live in the same area. Luke remembers Owen once told him he is thinking about selling his house, since he recently received a decent offer from a real estate firm. However, he is debating whether he should sell it or waits for the real estate to rise. Luke realizes with the appearance of adult entertainment in the near future, the values of Owen’s house and other houses in neighborhood are likely to drop significantly.
Different ethical theories would view this issue in various ways. Virtue ethics believes in placing a heavy focus on moral character, while focusing less on the action itself. In this situation a virtue ethicist would evaluate if ending or continuing Samantha's treatment would impact her moral character. The beliefs of strong moral character carried by a virtue ethicist would encourage Samantha to further her parents wishes of continuing treatment. A virtue ethicist respect for human life causes them to believe that Samantha should continue treatment because of the courage and strength it shows. However some virtue ethicist might argue that because of the value for human life, Samantha should be allowed to discontinue treatment to end the immense suffering she is in. A virtue ethicist would considered all of the details of the patients suffering before making a
Ethics and virtue have been a very contentious issue facing society for centuries. Many argue over the merits of various theories, each with its own philosophies and assumptions. It is this argument that has given rise to many popular and followed theories of ethics and virtues. The theories discussed primarily in this document include the virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological theory. Each is very distinct to the others in regards to its principles and assumptions regarding human behavior. Each however, has merit in regards to question of ethics and virtue, and how it should subsequently be valued.
As various ethical theories continue to be debated, it can be difficult to determine which model provides the best criteria. However, two theories in particular—virtue ethics and care ethics, have continued to catch much attention since the mid-twentieth century. Although each of these theories are often associated with one another, they both contain their own distinct philosophies. As a result, it is important to clearly understand what each theory entails before concluding that one is derived from the other.
There are two different types of virtues in Aristotle's Theory: Intellectual virtues and moral virtues. The intellectual virtues reflect what is unique and important about human nature across the board, but the moral virtues conduct well the normal affairs of daily life in society. In addition, Virtue Ethics has ancient roots, in both Latin and Greek culture, it means "excellence" in being a model person. Therefore, it helps you to live the good life. While, Aristotle's virtue ethics has some
Chapter nine talks about the environment within and virtues. Christian virtue ethics focus on the end of an act instead of on the consequences because the end says more about the agent (p.164, M). If one person does something that doesn't seem of good virtue, then Christian virtue won't judge that person till the end because their means for doing something could be different than one thinks. The goal of virtue ethics is not better decisions but better deciders (p.164, M). Virtue ethics is about an individual making a decision that may or may not be a good one. Then, people outside of that decision have to decide if that individual's decision was worth changing or leaving it be. Environmental virtue ethics aims for the formation of good people, because good
Culture and Ethics People of different cultures live harmoniously and peacefully because they have agreed to live by the laid down rules that thin down to ethics and morality. Ethical theories explain how individuals should behave amongst themselves. Therefore, the justification of this discussion is to provide the comparison and differences between utilitarianism, virtue theory, and deontological ethics. In addition, it will conclude with my personal experience by relating virtues, values, and moral concepts of the virtue theories, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. Virtue Theory Virtue ethics is defined as a person’s character traits determined by the characteristics they represent either bad or good or still between the two.
After reading your discussion, I would have to agree with you on all of the points you made throughout your discussion. I am also an animal lover and I do not think animals should be held in captivity for our own pleasure. I am also against unsafe fishing practices that result in harming and killing animals. I noticed that you applied your argument to theory of virtue ethics. I do believe that being a good role model for future generations could have an impact on how we view animals in the world. Utilitarianism can also be applied to captive animals and unsafe fishing practices. The happiness of humans does not outweigh the suffering of captive animals or animals that are injured or killed in fishing nets. In regards to whether certain animals should be given special considerations, I noticed that you think that all animals should be considered equal.
Another approach in ethics is virtue ethics, which refer to not only ethical actions and behaviours, but also embody the ethical character as which characteristics help people become ‘virtuous’, in which “an action is right if, and only if, it is what a virtuous agent would do in the circumstances, a virtuous agent is one who exercises the virtues, and a virtue is a character trait that human beings need to flourish”. (Hursthouse and
AVirtue ethics or the virtue theory, is an ethical theory that examines the character of a human for morality (Dreisbach, 2013). When discussing the ethical and moral reasoning behind the racial divide of incarceration rates, virtue ethics requires us to evaluate the morality of the person doing a given act, rather than the act itself (Dreisbach, 2013). Using virtue ethics, you can look at the racial disparity from two perspectives that of the offender and that of the people enforcing the laws. From the offender’s perspective you have to look at the values of each individual offender who breaks the law, you have to dissect their upbringing to determine their moral compass. As far as the government officials whether local, state, or federal each individual person’s morals have to be looked at, whether they are the person who drafts a law or bill to help or further harm the issue of racial disparity in incarceration rates.
Nice post. I agree that virtue ethics goes beyond ethical codes. Virtue ethics represent the moral values and beliefs of a person. When a person constantly does good acts and does not look for recognition, they represent a person with virtue ethics. They see others before they see themselves. They practice the principle of doing good that benefits the society. A person who has virtue ethics has ideal character traits and avoids bringing harm to others. Professionals in the psychology and counseling should definitely have virtue ethics. Clients and patients are trusting professionals with their personal issues and looking for help. There are a few clients at my job who have expressed they would like to have out former psychiatrist
Of the many ethical theories, around, in the West and in the East, four exist that seem to be more prevalent to business and open for discussion. These four theories are: Aristotle’s virtue ethics,
The issue of morality, virtue and ethics are all elements that must be considered as Maxine, her husband and the Rackley’s move forward with a decision. Consequently, Maxine must understand and come to terms with the ideal that the right to life constitutes more than just the breathe of life, but rather the opportunity to live a whole and fulfilling life, at the same time that this right to life does not occur at the expense of the lives of others (Thomson 1971). In considering the impact of this decision on the unborn child, on herself, her three year old son, her husband and the awaiting couple, it is advised that Maxine acknowledge that it is the effect of her action which will render it morally sound, not the action in itself (Encyclopedia of Philosophy, . She must, therefore, act in a manner which would bring about the highest possible level of utility. Maxine must opt to terminate the pregnancy in order to spear the unborn baby an impending life of grief, illness and pain. She must spare the awaiting parents the agony of watching a child live a tortured life, and she must afford her son the opportunity to be raised by two healthy and able-bodied parents. Utilitarianism is one of the best known and most influential moral theories. Like other forms of consequentialism, its core idea is that whether actions are morally right or wrong depends on their effects. More specifically, the only effects of actions that are relevant are the good and bad results that they