Philosophy of Virtue Ethics

Introduction to Virtue Ethics

• Philosophy Bites podcast features David Edmunds and Nigel Warburton discussing the resurgence of virtue ethics.
• Key Philosophers: Origins trace back to Plato and Aristotle.

Tension Among Moral Theories

• Utilitarianism: Morality judged by consequences of actions.
• Kantian Ethics: Prioritizes duties and obligations, such as the duty not to lie.
• Virtue Ethics: Focuses on character rather than merely consequences or duties.

What is Virtue?

• Definition: Question posed by Plato, explored in various dialogues, notably featuring Socrates.
• Plato's Claim: Virtue consists primarily of knowledge.
  • Human Happiness: Linked to virtue as a form of knowledge.
  • Types of Knowledge: Hedonic knowledge in dialogues like Protagoras emphasizes understanding pleasure/pain of actions.

Aristotle's Contributions to Virtue Ethics

• Socratic Influence: Aristotle inherits and develops Plato's inquiry into virtue.
• Aristotelian Definition of Virtue: Described as a disposition (Greek: hexis) to act and feel appropriately.
  • Importance of Dispositions: Not all dispositions are virtuous; being cruel is an example of a non-virtuous disposition.
• Doctrine of the Mean:
  • Virtue exists between two extremes (vices of excess and deficiency).
  • Example: Even Temper
  • Correctly feeling anger requires hitting the right balance: too little anger leads to insensitivity (deficiency), while excessive anger is excessive response (excess).

Virtue and Moderation

• Difference between Mean and Moderation:
  • The doctrine does not imply moderation in all actions; being extreme in certain contexts shows virtue (e.g., justifiable anger).
• More examples:
  • Generosity as a virtue lies between stinginess (deficiency) and prodigality (excess).

Aristotle’s View on Action and Happiness

• Importance of Action: Virtuous action leads to a happier life, as opposed to merely having a virtuous disposition.
• Role of Luck: Happiness can be affected by external factors beyond one's control, yet virtue remains crucial for potential happiness.

Knowledge and Virtue

• Plato vs. Aristotle:
  • Plato posits all virtues as forms of knowledge.
  • Aristotle acknowledges knowledge but emphasizes the non-cognitive element: acting rightly requires experience and habit formation.
• Practical Wisdom: Essential for understanding the right actions; having one virtue entails possessing practical wisdom and potentially all virtues.

Modern Virtue Ethics vs. Classical Thought

• Differences from Aristotle:
  • Modern virtue ethicists tend toward common sense morality without thorough exploration of particular virtues and vices.
  • Lack of specific virtues like kindness in Aristotle's framework, which are prevalent in contemporary moral discussions.

Moral Relativism and Virtue Ethics

• Potential for Relativism: Some interpretations of virtue ethics may align closer to relativism, as practices vary across cultures.
  • Alasdair MacIntyre’s Influence: Rationality rooted in societal traditions can suggest a form of relativism.
  • Other perspectives focus on biological and human needs, suggesting virtues necessary for human flourishing.

Critique of Moral Categories in Ethics

• Three Main Philosophical Categories: Utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics.
  • Distinguishing virtue ethicists from others, they define morality through actions of virtuous individuals.
• Common Misconception: Virtuous actions are not solely done for the sake of being virtuous; they are based on moral reasoning and the appropriateness of the actions themselves.