virtue ethics

what is a virtue

• looks at the notion of what it means to be human

• virtues are character traits

what was a belief of aristotle

good people make a good society

nature of virtue ethics

• measures the virtue of the act and the moral agent

• does not have as rigid formula as deontology

what is a function (ergon)

• living well is to function as best as one can

• something is good if it fulfils their function

• must cultivate virtues

• humans = reach eudaemonia

what is eudaemonia

• highest form of living well

• must be the best version of yourself

what is a good life for human beings

• avoid hedonism

• should not be desire driven

• true happiness comes from cultivating our virtues

• use reason to avoid hedonism

what is the doctrine of the mean

• should not act in excess or deficiency

• practise moderation

example of the mean

cowardice - courage - rashness

shamelessness - modesty - shyness

what does macintyre believe

• virtues change and adapt

• eg. homeric vs medieval

what are macyntires three archetypes

beurocratic manager

therapist

rich aesthete

strengths of virtue ethics

• flexible, based on experience

• realistic, practical

• genuine

• positive for the self

• hollistic

weaknesses of virtue ethics

• virtues change

• hard to make decisions

• character based, not actions

• not a closed theory

• no guidelines

• some vices are good