Virtue ethics focuses on developing moral character rather than following rules or considering consequences. It emphasizes cultivating virtues like courage and wisdom to naturally do the right thing. This approach contrasts with deontology and consequentialism, which focus on actions and outcomes.

Aristotle's concept of eudaimonia is central to virtue ethics. It means human flourishing or well-being, achieved by living virtuously and fulfilling one's potential. Virtues are seen as the mean between extremes and are developed through habit and practice over a lifetime.

Core Principles and Concepts in Virtue Ethics

Core principles of virtue ethics

• Focuses on the moral character of the individual rather than the morality of specific actions or rules
  • Emphasizes developing virtuous character traits (courage, temperance, justice, wisdom)
  • Argues a person with virtuous character will naturally do the right thing in any situation
• Contrasts with other major ethical frameworks
  • Deontology emphasizes adherence to moral rules or duties
  • Consequentialism judges morality of actions based on outcomes or consequences (utilitarianism)
• Agent-centered, while deontology and consequentialism are act-centered
• Criticisms of virtue ethics
  • Lacks clear guidance for specific moral dilemmas
  • Relies heavily on subjective and culturally dependent idea of "virtuous character"

Aristotle's concept of eudaimonia

• Often translated as "happiness," "well-being," or "human flourishing"
  • More than just pleasure or satisfaction; the highest human good
  • Achieved through living a life of virtue and fulfilling one's potential
• Argues eudaimonia is the ultimate goal of human life and foundation of ethics
• Virtues are character traits that enable a person to achieve eudaimonia
  • Identifies moral virtues (courage, temperance) and intellectual virtues (wisdom, practical wisdom)
  • Virtues are a mean between two extremes (vices), the "golden mean"
    • Courage is the mean between cowardice and recklessness
• Believes virtues are developed through habit and practice, not innate
  • Emphasizes the importance of habituation in shaping moral character
• Achieved through exercising virtue over a lifetime, not individual acts

Virtue Cultivation and Moral Education

• Virtue ethics emphasizes the importance of developing moral character through practice and experience
• Practical wisdom (phronesis) is crucial for applying virtues appropriately in different situations
• Moral exemplars serve as role models for virtuous behavior and inspire others to cultivate virtues
• Virtue cultivation is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort and reflection
• Moral education plays a vital role in shaping character and instilling virtues from an early age

Comparing Virtue Ethics Across Cultures

Virtue ethics vs Confucian ethics

• Similarities between Aristotelian and Confucian virtue ethics
  • Both emphasize cultivating virtuous character traits
  • Both view ethics as a means to achieve human flourishing or well-being
  • Both stress the importance of moral education and role of habits in shaping character
• Differences between Aristotelian and Confucian virtue ethics
  • Confucian virtues more socially oriented, focusing on relationships and roles (filial piety, loyalty)
    • Aristotelian virtues more individualistic, focusing on personal excellence
  • Confucian ethics more hierarchical, emphasizing respect for authority and social harmony
    • Aristotelian ethics places more emphasis on individual autonomy and rational decision-making
  • Confucian ethics more closely tied to political philosophy and ideal of the virtuous ruler
    • Aristotelian ethics more focused on the individual's pursuit of eudaimonia
• Despite differences, both offer valuable insights into the importance of character development and pursuing human flourishing