Virtue Ethics and the Good Life

Virtue Ethics

  • Key Focus: Explores the essence of living well through moral character and virtues.

Ancient Greek vs. Modern Moral Philosophy

  • Ancient Approach: "How should we live?" - Emphasizes overall well-being (eudaimonia).

  • Modern Approach: "How should we act?" - Focus on individual actions and moral decisions.

Concept of Happiness

  • Being Happy: A fleeting, subjective state.

  • Happiness (Eudaimonia): A life state of flourishing and thriving.

  • Greek Belief: Happiness possesses objective qualities and is studied to identify what constitutes living well.

Dismissed Notions of the Good Life

  • Money-Making: Falsely perceived as a valid goal; seen as a means, not an end.

  • Pleasure-Seeking: Often associated with a lack of character refinement; high-profile figures promote it but it's questioned as a marker of the good life.

  • Political Life: Valued for public honors but criticized for being dependent on others and not a true state of being.

Aristotle's Empirical Approach

  • Contemplative Life: Highlighted as a pathway to happiness.

  • Telos: The ultimate purpose defines what it means to live well, emphasizing the need for excellence tailored to one's unique function.

Reason and Human Excellence

  • Human Distinction: Represented by the exercise of reason, which allows for comprehension of truth.

  • Moral Goodness: Based on the excellence of actions aligned with rational principles over a complete life.

The Mean in Achieving Excellence

  • The Mean: Middle ground between two extremes; critical in preserving quality.

  • Relativity: Expertise alters what constitutes the mean over time.

Habit and Moral Character

  • Habit Formation: Conditioning shapes moral disposition; actions develop character.

  • Moral Development: Character is formed through repeated actions, not mere intentions.

Conditions for Moral Excellence

  • Proper Knowledge: Moral actions should be reasoned and informed.

  • Voluntary Choice: Actions stem from well-formed, durable habits guided by reason.

Living Virtuously

  • Moral Grounding: Determining actions based on virtues and character reflection.

  • Self-reflection: Essential question: "What kind of person am I such that I would do this?"

Knowing the Mean

  • Right Reason: Requires situationally appropriate virtuous responses.

  • Moral Exemplars: Role models that guide behavior based on established virtues.

The Virtues

  • Cardinal Virtues: Justice, Benevolence, Integrity, Moderation as foundational aspects of good character.

  • Cultural Influences: Virtue traditions embedded in stories and societal narratives influence our understanding and valuing of virtues.