The Virtue Theory of Ethics

By Tony, Andy, and Kerry

Virtues

Attitudes Character TraitsDeveloping Highest

Potential

The Virtue Approach The principle states: "What is ethical is what develops moral virtues in ourselves and our communities."

Examples of Virtues

Honesty Courage CompassionGenerosity

FairnessSelf-ControlIntegrity

Aristotle(384-322 BCE)

Philosopher

“ everything has a distinctive and

essential function or activity”

Aristotle(384-322 BCE)

Aristotle believed that humans were “rational Animals.”

Aristotle deeply influenced medieval Christian thinkers.

St. Thomas Aquinas(1224-1274)

Aquinas borrowed Aristotle’s “logic of

virtue”

St. Thomas Aquinas(1224-1274)

Believed reason was not an end in itself but instead a means to better knowing ourselves and god.

Criticisms of Virtue Ethics

Cultures are often morally incompatible.

Cultures have different views on virtue.

Criticisms of Virtue Ethics

The Idea that facing pain and death is a virtuous and necessary experience is widely opposed

A current Ethical Dilemma

Euthanasia

Euthanasia is the practice of medically assisted death.

Euthanasia Virtue theorists are against euthanasia.

Facing pain and death is a virtuous and necessary experience

Virtue Theorists are pro-life

Review Questions

1. How likely are you to take a virtuous perspective?

2. What are some examples of virtues?

Review Questions3. Who influenced virtue theory?

ANY QUESTIONS

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THE END