Virtue Ethics

Practical wisdom (phronesis)

Helps individuals to make informed, rational decisions.

Criticism of Aristotle's virtue ethics

It does not give specific rules and is considered vague.

Telos

An end or purpose.

Selfish approach to ethics

A criticism of Aristotle's virtue ethics suggesting it prioritizes personal benefit.

Doctrine of the Mean

Proposes that virtue lies between two extremes or vices.

Main focus of virtue ethics

Developing a virtuous character.

Balanced ambition

The virtue concerned with having the proper ambition.

Excess of courage

Recklessness, according to Aristotle's example.

Telos of a knife

To cut.

Courage

The virtue associated with finding the balance between cowardice and recklessness.

Number of moral virtues identified by Aristotle

Twelve, including courage, temperance, and generosity.

Concept of Telos

Refers to Aristotle’s idea that every being or object has an ultimate purpose or end.

Subjective critique of virtue ethics

It does not provide a universal measure for what lies between extremes.

Aristotle's ethical theory

Primarily associated with virtue ethics.

Virtue of courage extremes

Lies between cowardice and recklessness.

Ultimate end or purpose concept

Described by Aristotle as Telos.

Phronesis

Represents practical wisdom or the ability to make reasoned decisions in moral matters.

Adultery and theft in Aristotle's view

Considered always as vices with no golden mean.

Eudaimonia

Requires moral virtue for fulfillment.

Aristotle’s theory as consequentialist

False; it focuses on character development, not just outcomes.

Selfishness in virtue ethics

It can be seen as a potentially selfish approach focusing on individual happiness.

Rules in Aristotle's virtue ethics

False; it emphasizes character and practical wisdom instead.

Definition of virtue ethics

Focuses on character and the virtues of individuals.

Vices in Aristotle's ethics

Adultery and theft are always considered vices.

Importance of character development

Central to Aristotle's virtue ethics.

Critique of 'Eudaimonia'

Not entirely subjective; requires moral virtues.

Aristotle's moral virtues

Guide individuals toward a virtuous character.

Excess in the doctrine of mean

Excess leads to vice, highlighting imbalance.

Courage in virtue theory

Mediates between cowardice and recklessness.

Telos as a guiding principle

Central to understanding individual and ethical purposes.