VIRTUE ETHICS



VIRTUE ETHICS

1. We should emphasize RIGHT BEING rather than the RIGHT ACTS.

2. There are such an infinitude of acts such that we cannot develop absolute and universal rules. Instead we should work on developing our CHARACTER which, in turn, will help us determine what to do.

3. Virtue ethics complements an ethics of right action.

People who recognize their strengths and limitations and who are capable of reacting to the right degree, at the right time, toward the right person, and for the right reason are virtuous.

4. The actions of virtuous people stem from a respect and concern for the well-being of themselves and others.

5. Virtue is developed in community, in our interactions with each other. According to Aristotle and Confucius, a good social policy is one that encourages the development of virtue among people.

6. For Aristotle, there are two types of virtues: (1) intellectual virtues and (2) moral virtues. Intellectual virtues are cultivated through (1) growth and experience and (2) Moral virtues are acquired by habit.

7. For Aristotle, most virtues require finding the mean between two extremes.

Deficit (Vice) Mean (Virtue) Excess (Vice)

Cowardice Courage Foolhardiness

Inhibition Temperance Overindulgence

Unambitiousness Proper pride Ambitiousness

Miserliness Liberality/Generosity Extravagance

Surliness Friendliness Flattery

Shamelessness Modesty Shame

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