Aristotle Virtue Ethics

Key Definitions and terms needed for this topic

Doctrine of the Mean

Aristotle’s claim a virtue requires us to feel, choose and act in an intermediate way, between deficiency and excess.

Phronesis

The intellectual virtue that enables a person to make good judgements and take the right actions in specific situations.

Cardinal virtues

The four fundamental virtues that serve as a foundation for all other virtues according to Aristotle. These include: prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance.

Eudaimonia

Human flourishing, Aristotle refers to it as 'living well and faring well' in society. 

Ergon

Proper function; the characteristic activity that something was made to do.

Telos

An objects end or purpose.

Arete

The concept of virtue or excellence in character, which enables a person to fulfil their purpose and achieve eudaimonia.

Virtue

A trait that enables a person to acheive some good purpose and live a morally good life.

Vice

A trait that is morally bad.

Voluntary actions

According to Aristotle, it is acting as we choose. We know what we are doing, and we bring it about ourselves.

Involuntary actions

According to Aristotle, it is acting either forced or done from ignorance that is not to blame for (especially if it Is regretted once the ignorance is removed).

Non-voluntary actions

According to Aristotle, it is acting from ignorance and if the ignorance is lifted, the agent does not regret the action.

Skill analogy

Aristotle compares developing virtues (like honesty or courage) to acquiring a practical skill, such as playing an instrument. Both involve practice and progression. Virtues, like skills, develop through guided practice until they become second nature. 

Function argument

The argument that humans have a unique function - rational activity. A good human fulfils this function excellently, through reason guided by virtue. Therefore living virtuously enables eudaimonia.

Lack of clear guidance criticism

Critics argue virtue ethics does not provide clear rules for moral action because it focuses on character rather than rules, making it difficult to determine what action should be taken in complex situations.

Clashing or competing virtues

Virtues can sometimes conflict with each other, such as a soldier deciding whether to show courage by taking a risk or prudence by avoiding danger.

Circularity criticism

Virtuous actions are defined as actions that a virtuous person would perform, while a virtuous person is defined as someone who performs virtuous actions, creating circular reasoning.