1B Virtue Theory

Arete

Virtue

What is VT associated with

Aristotle’s Nichomachean Ethics

What is the VT sometimes called

Aretaic ethics

What is the focus on

Developing one moral character and not blind obedience to ethical codes

What does one need to develop their moral character

Virtuous habits

What is the goal

Competence (moral excellence)

What are the two types of virtues with examples

Moral- temperance, generosity etc

Intellectual- wisdom

How is virtuous behaviour developed

Applying wisdom to attain the highest human good, eudaimonia

What is eudaimonia

Human flourishing or human well- being

What does intellectual virtues bring

Knowledge required for being educated and applying the reason (often referred to as practical reason)- phronesis- ensure moral virtue are developed

Phronesis

Intellectual virtues

Why do we learn virtuous habits

So they become second nature as a result of reasoned on habits and by contemplating the failures and successes human action

What is virtuous behaviour for Aristotle

Is the ‘mean’ between extremes of excesses; however, he states ‘in everything it is no easy task to find the middle’

What does the Aristotle doctrine of the mean produce

• Sophron

• Enkrates

• Akrates

Sophron

Naturally lives in the mean without effort

Enkrates

Tempted but strong enough will power to love in the mean

Akrates

Who is weak and cannot live in the mean by overcoming temptation of the vices

What did Aristotle say about the character of akrates

Is incontinent

What are the four virtues that Aristotle identifies

• Temperance (moderation)

• Courage

• Together with justice

• Wisdom

Why are Aristotle four virtues important

Important for a character to develop with wisdom being the virtue that manages drives them all

Where in the bible can be seen to be promoting the VT

Matthew 5:3-12

The beatitudes found on the sermon on the mount

What does Jesus announce

Those with virtues are ‘blessed’ because they will receive a reward

What does Jesus highlight in the sermon on the mount

The meek, pure in heart, merciful and peacemakers as virtuous characters to be blessed

Challenges to the VT

• not precise science- the idea is vague and doesn’t provide ethical dilemmas solutions for war, abortion etc. makes it hard to apply

• Relative to individuals and cultures- theory arbitrary

• Aristotle himself admits it is difficult to define the mean; how can this be a suitable moral guide for society?

• Arbitrary system is open to abuse- be virtuous but commit acts other find immoral

What does Aristotle say about happiness

“Happiness, then, is something final and self- sufficient, and is the end of action”

What does Aristotle say about the middle

“It is no easy task to find the middle..wherefore goodness is both rare and laudable and noble”

What does Aristotle say about virtue and a state of character

“Virtue, then, is a state of character concerned with choice, lying in a mean”

What does Aristotle say about moral virtue

“Moral virtue comes about as a result of habit”