Virtue Ethics Flashcards

Flashcards on Virtue Ethics and Aristotle

What is the primary focus of virtue theorists?

The moral agent’s character and the individual’s life as a whole, rather than specific actions.

According to virtue theory, how should one live?

Cultivate the virtues to live a virtuous life and flourish as a human being.

What is 'eudaimonia' according to Aristotle?

A 'happy' life, but more accurately described as flourishing, which applies to a whole life and is a form of character excellence achieved through cultivating virtues.

How does Aristotle describe virtue?

A pattern of behaviour, a habit, a tendency to act, desire, and feel in appropriate ways in particular situations; a 'mean' between two evils, lack and excess.

Explain Aristotle's concept of virtue as a 'mean'.

Virtue lies in the middle ground between two extremes: a deficiency and an excess. For example, courage is the mean between cowardice (lack) and recklessness (excess).

How are virtues cultivated according to Aristotle?

Through repetition of relevant actions until they become habits and 'second nature'.

What is the importance of moral education according to Plato and Aristotle?

To build good character from a young age, making doing good an ingrained habit, establishing the necessary foundation for living a moral life.

What is the main difference between Plato and Aristotle regarding virtue?

Plato believed that understanding the idea of the Good is necessary to become virtuous, while Aristotle distinguished theoretical wisdom from practical wisdom and thought virtuous life is about practical life.

How does the Parable of the Good Samaritan relate to virtue ethics?

It exemplifies virtues such as compassion and generosity, demonstrating how a virtuous person would act charitably towards someone in need, without expecting personal gain.

According to virtue theorists, are individual virtues sufficient for a virtuous person?

No, a virtuous person must harmonize all the virtues; they must be woven into the fabric of the virtuous person’s life.

What is a major criticism of virtue theory regarding the definition of virtues?

Establishing which patterns of behavior, desire, and feeling count as virtues is difficult, as it can be subjective and influenced by personal prejudices.

What is a further criticism of virtue theory related to human nature?

It presupposes that there is such a thing as human nature with general patterns of behaviour and feeling appropriate for all human beings. And Recent psychological research suggests that we are far more affected by circumstances than we believe we are.