Virtue Ethics

Teleology

The philosophical study of design and purpose in natural phenomena; the idea that everything has a specific end or goal.

Eudaimonia

A Greek term often translated as flourishing or happiness, regarded as the ultimate goal of human life according to Aristotle.

Doctrine of the Mean

Aristotle's concept that virtue lies between deficiency and excess; true virtue requires balance.

Virtue

A character trait that enables individuals to achieve excellence in particular practices.

Phronesis

Practical wisdom; the ability to deliberate well about what is good for oneself and the community.

Autonomy

The capacity to make an informed, uncoerced decision; acting according to one's own will.

Categorical Imperative

Kant's principle that establishes a way to evaluate moral actions; it demands that an action be universally applicable.

Internal Goods

Rewards inherent to a practice itself, valued for the activity rather than for external gain.

External Goods

Rewards that come from outside a practice, such as money or recognition, which are not intrinsically tied to the practice.

Human Excellence

The extension of individual capability and achievement through cooperative practices.

Moral Worth

The notion that the value of an action is determined by its motivation; only actions performed from duty hold moral worth.

Artifact

Man-made objects that lack an internal telos and whose purpose is determined by the intention of their creators.

Good Will

Kant's concept of the only thing that is inherently good without qualification, guiding moral action.

Philosophical Practices

Complex, cooperative activities that are governed by standards of excellence and serve to realize internal goods.

Universal Law Formulation

One of the formulations of the categorical imperative that asks if an action can be universally applied without contradiction.

Formula of Humanity

A formulation of the categorical imperative that requires treating individuals as ends in themselves, never merely as means.

Infinite Potential

The belief in the inherent ability of humans to develop and improve through cultivating virtues and fulfilling their purpose.

Empirical Approach

A method of gaining knowledge through observation and experience, as emphasized by Aristotle in understanding human nature.

Social and Political Animals

Aristotle's description of humans, highlighting their natural inclination to live in societies and engage in political life.

Character Traits

Enduring aspects of a person that define how they act within various practices.