Note
Studied by 16 peopleEthics Final
Virtue Ethics Focus
Virtue ethics is about being a good person, not just following rules.Moral vs. Intellectual Virtues
Moral virtues = being kind or brave.
Intellectual virtues = thinking clearly and wisely.Truly Virtuous Act
To be truly virtuous, you must:
Know it’s right,
Do it because it’s right,
Have a good character.
The Doctrine of the Mean
Virtue is the middle between too much and too little—like courage between fear and recklessness.Examples: Courage, Generosity, Anger
Courage = not too scared, not too reckless.
Generosity = not stingy, not wasteful.
Anger = not too quiet, not too angry.No Mean for Bad Acts
Some actions—like cheating or stealing—are always wrong.Destruction of Character
Doing bad things often can ruin who you are.Importance of Upbringing
Learning to be good starts early—family and society matter a lot.Happiness as the Human Goal
The goal in life is happiness (eudaimonia), which means living well, not just feeling good.Virtue and the Good Life
Living a virtuous life over time makes life truly happy and meaningful.Problem of Guidance
Virtue ethics says: do what a good person would do—but that’s hard if you don’t know any!Criticism: Too Fun?
Some say virtue ethics makes being good seem too fun—but it includes self-control and sacrifice too.Criticism: External Factors
People ask: Can you be good if you’re poor or unlucky? Aristotle says yes, but it’s harder.Criticism: Not Action-Guiding
It doesn’t always say exactly what to do—just how to be.Hursthouse on Abortion
We should think like a virtuous person: not just about rights, but about caring, responsibility, and serious thought.
O'Neill's Ethics
O'Neill uses Kant’s idea to talk about world poverty: respect people, don’t just use them.Hardin’s Lifeboat Ethics
Rich nations are like people in a lifeboat; the poor are drowning—but helping might sink the boat.Problems with Lifeboat Ethics
Helping doesn't always hurt, and rich countries might owe their wealth to using poor countries unfairly.Singer’s Argument on Famine Relief
If we can stop something bad without hurting ourselves, we should—like helping starving people.Singer vs. Hardin
Singer says give a lot; Hardin warns it could backfire.Government Aid Problems
Aid given between governments might support corrupt leaders instead of helping the people.Project Food Aid
Charities give food, but it can harm local farmers and create dependency.Superficial vs. Genuine Aid Actions
Helping is good—but why we help matters. Helping for profit isn’t virtuous.Formula of Humanity in Aid
Don’t just use poor countries as tools to make money—respect their dignity.Grain Merchant Example
Selling food isn’t wrong—but lying about shortages to raise prices is.Justice vs. Beneficence
Justice = don’t hurt or use people.
Beneficence = help people live better.Finite Rationality & Autonomy
Poor people often can’t act freely because they lack information or power.Duties of Justice in Global Poverty
No price cheating, no bribes, no unfair deals in aid.Beneficence in Poverty Relief
Help poor people be free and independent, not just survive.Kantian vs. Utilitarian Help
Utilitarians do what brings most happiness; Kantians focus on treating people with respect.The Good Will
A good will means doing the right thing just because it’s the right thing—not for rewards or fear.Acting from Duty vs. In Conformity with Duty
Doing something from duty means doing it because it’s right; in conformity means it looks right but isn't done for the right reason.Hypothetical vs. Categorical Imperative
A hypothetical rule tells you what to do if you want something; a categorical rule tells you what to do no matter what.Formula of Universal Law
Act like your choice should become a rule for everyone in the world.Universal Law Procedure
What’s your reason (maxim)?
Could everyone do it?
If yes, it’s okay.
If no, don’t do it.
Loan & Help Examples (Formula of Universal Law)
Don’t lie to get a loan—if everyone lied, loans wouldn’t exist!
We should help others because we’d want help too.Kant's Insight
It’s unfair to act in ways we don’t want others to act toward us.Formula of Humanity
Always treat people like they matter, not just like tools to get what you want.Means vs. Mere Means
Using someone as a means (like trade) is okay—but using them merely as a means (like lying) is wrong.Positive & Negative Agreement with Humanity
Negative: Don’t use people wrongly.
Positive: Help people live good, free lives.The Inquiring Murderer
Telling the truth could hurt someone—so is it still right? Kant says yes, but it’s controversial.Absolute vs. Moderate Deontology
Absolute: Never break the rule.
Moderate: Maybe break it if the cost is huge.False Positives & Negatives
Kant’s rules can sometimes say something’s wrong when it seems right—or say it’s right when it seems wrong.One Thought Too Many
Sometimes people overthink morality instead of just doing what’s kind or obvious.Nonhuman Animals
Kant says we shouldn't hurt animals—not because they have rights, but because it harms our humanity.