key term - Virtue ethics

Definition

Virtue ethics is a moral philosophy that emphasizes the role of character and virtue in ethical behavior, rather than focusing solely on rules or consequences. This approach encourages individuals to develop good character traits, known as virtues, which lead to moral excellence and fulfillment. Within the context of the Hellenistic period, virtue ethics became a key part of philosophical discourse, influencing various schools of thought and shaping how individuals approached morality and personal development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Virtue ethics shifted focus from strict adherence to rules to the importance of developing moral character, making it more about being than doing.
2. Key figures like Aristotle and the Stoics played significant roles in developing virtue ethics during the Hellenistic period, contributing to its lasting influence on Western moral philosophy.
3. In virtue ethics, moral actions are those that stem from a virtuous character rather than mere compliance with external laws or pursuit of specific outcomes.
4. The concept of eudaimonia is central to virtue ethics; it suggests that living a virtuous life leads to true happiness and fulfillment.
5. Virtue ethics was seen as a response to ethical theories focused solely on duty or consequences, promoting a more holistic approach to morality that considers personal growth.

Review Questions

• How does virtue ethics differ from other ethical frameworks like consequentialism and deontology?
  • Virtue ethics differs from consequentialism and deontology by prioritizing character development over specific actions or rules. While consequentialism evaluates morality based on outcomes and deontology focuses on adherence to duties or rules, virtue ethics emphasizes the importance of cultivating virtues such as honesty, courage, and compassion. This means that a morally good person acts according to their character, fostering a deeper understanding of ethical behavior as intertwined with personal growth.
• Discuss how Aristotle's notion of eudaimonia influences the principles of virtue ethics.
  • Aristotle's notion of eudaimonia significantly influences virtue ethics by establishing it as the ultimate goal of human life. He argues that achieving eudaimonia requires individuals to cultivate virtues that promote moral excellence and well-being. This perspective encourages people to develop their character traits over time, suggesting that true happiness stems from living virtuously rather than merely seeking pleasure or adhering to rules. Thus, eudaimonia becomes a guiding principle for moral development within virtue ethics.
• Evaluate the relevance of virtue ethics in contemporary discussions about moral responsibility and character education.
  • Virtue ethics remains highly relevant in contemporary discussions about moral responsibility and character education by emphasizing the significance of developing virtuous individuals in society. As modern ethical dilemmas become increasingly complex, focusing on character traits helps individuals navigate challenging situations with integrity. Furthermore, character education programs often draw from virtue ethics to teach young people the importance of virtues like empathy, respect, and responsibility. This connection highlights how cultivating good character can foster a more ethical society by promoting responsible decision-making grounded in moral virtues.

Related terms

Aristotelian Ethics: A framework of virtue ethics developed by Aristotle, which asserts that achieving eudaimonia, or human flourishing, is the ultimate goal of life through the cultivation of virtues.

Stoicism:

A philosophical school that emphasized the importance of virtue as the highest good and advocated for self-control, rationality, and resilience in the face of life's challenges.

Eudaimonia: A Greek term often translated as 'flourishing' or 'well-being,' which represents the ultimate goal of virtue ethics, achieved through the practice of virtues.