The methodology I find myself basing most of my decisions off of is aretology, also referred to as virtue ethics. Aretology is defined by Lovin as “a system of thinking about ethics that centers on virtues.” Unlike deontology and teleology, which only focus on either rules or goals, aretology combines both rules and goals making it a good basis for ethical decisions.
The Stanford of Encyclopedia of Philosophy defines virtue ethics as an ethical approach “that emphasizes the virtues, or moral character, in contrast to the approach which emphasizes duties or rules (deontology) or that which emphasizes the consequences of actions (consequentialism).” Additionally, The Stanford of Encyclopedia of Philosophy gives an example of a virtue ethicist by saying that a virtuous person will help someone in need because it is charitable and contributes to the good of society.
The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy gives a very similar definition that says that areteology is “a broad term for theories that emphasize the role of character and virtue in moral philosophy rather than either doing one’s duty or acting in order to bring about good consequences.” The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy also says that aretology was inspired by Aristotle, who said that a virtuous person would have ideal character traits, which begin as instincts and are then established after gaining personal experience. Lovin goes on to give Aristotle’s definition of a virtue, which is “a pattern of behavior
Virtue Theory is one of many different moral theories that exist today. It is based off of Aristotle’s Virtue Ethics which focuses on having an ideal character. The main focus of Virtue Theory is the role of one’s character, which is closely related to its roots in Aristotle. A Virtue Theorist would do things because it is who they themselves are, not because it is good to do them or because they will get something good from doing them.
Many theorists have tried to explain virtue. Yet, common sense seems to indicate that virtue is highly moral behavior. McPherson bases most of his arguments in Aristotle’s virtue ethic principle, which implies that one must commit himself to identify purposes of human nature that are worthy to pursue and fulfill those purposes through exercising virtues, which would then, establish a higher mode of life/ Eudaimonia (2013, p. 284).
Aristotle’s idea of Virtue Ethics was influenced by his belief that all things and all humans have a purpose (a telos). For him a complete explanation of something has to include its final cause or purpose which essentially is to realise its potential. Virtue Ethics itself is concerned with the characteristics of a person rather than how a person behaves and it is this he outlined in his book Nicomachean Ethics. A ‘’virtue’’ are qualities that lead to a good life e.g. courage and honesty. Aristotle explains for a person to adopt these qualities into their own lives is to maximise their potential to achieve a happy life and he goes
They are preconventional, conventional and post conventional. Two types of moral theory are moral relativists which claim that people create reality and that there are no universal or shared moral principles that apply to all and moral universalists, which claim that there are universal moral principles that apply to all. The idea that morality is universal is deontology. Deontology claims that duty is the foundation of morality and that moral principles apply to everyone. The categorical imperative in the main concept of this theory. It states that “Act only on that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.” Virtue ethics are a part of the idea that morality is universal. Virtue ethics emphasizes character over right
Lisa: Virtue ethics comes from the understanding that repeated actions over time create virtue. Constantly putting our soldiers into wars solely to prevent the spread of communism would create a culture that believes killing others in the name of capitalism is an ethically good virtue. Even right actions done for the wrong reasons can create a negative virtue in our soldiers. Becky: It’s hard to keep a promise of a good war to our soldiers if we enter into it for the wrong reasons.
Through the works of Epicurus, Epictetus, and Aquinas, it is evident that their philosophies inherit a great deal of virtue. Although roughly specified, virtue is implanted within their different ideologies. From achieving happiness, stoic beliefs, and in respects to Christian idealism, virtue turns out to be the driving factor in determining the ideal meaning of life from the perspective of each philosopher and it gives them their value. Backed by firm evidence, it is notable that virtue is more apparent in the Thomism philosophy.
Virtue theory uses practical rationality to explain why one ought to act morally. Considerations that stem from human needs help us find reason in our actions. Those actions are ones that help us retain the function of our human will and the goodness of that will.
There are many strengths and weaknesses to virtue ethics that can be discussed, but they both have a main strength and weakness that could be talked about. One primary strength of virtue ethics is character traits this is how we use are virtues to help other people and make them better. People should have respect, love, and compassion for one another these are what a person should have in them innately to help others out because it’s the way you are instead of doing just because you should. The main weakness of virtue ethics that people argue is that it does not have focus of what is supposed to be morally right and wrong in the first place even though we know that something like murder is not moral virtue ethics doesn’t really ask this question.
An ethical virtue is a habit that you inclined toward. Virtue is not simply one isolated action but an overall habit of acting in a certain way. To be virtuous, a person must knowingly and deliberately be conscious of the
Virtue ethics is an approach to ethics that emphasizes an individual 's character as the key element of ethical thinking. Virtue ethical theories originate to ancient Greek philosophy discussion of what were recognized as the four cardinal virtues- wisdom, justice, fortitude and temperance." The roots of virtue theory lie in pre-Socratic times but commenced in earnest with Socrates’ infuriating questioning of the values and beliefs of his fellow Athenians. The theory was significantly advanced by Plato and was definitively elaborated by Aristotle himself
Virtue ethics is a theory of ethics in moral philosophy in which it emphasizes that the notion of virtue is key to a
Aristotle reaches several conclusions on virtue and describes it as a state of character, and what it means for a human to be virtuous. For example, "the 'excellence ' of the eye
There are a variety of ethical systems that are in existence. These include systems such as ethical formalism, utilitarianism, natural law, teleological and deontological, and many more and variations of each. The deontological and teleological are among the most interesting perspectives. The deontological ethical system is primarily concerned with the inherent nature of the act being judged while the teleological approach mainly focuses on the outcomes of actions.
To understand, virtue, ethics, and morality we must first understanding there meanings. According to Boatright, “”morality and ethics are interchangeable; however, they have some subtle differences.” (Ethics and Conduct of Business, Boatright) Webster’s Dictionary describes ethics as the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation; a set or moral principles. Webster’s Dictionary describes moral as of or relating to principles of right and wrong in behavior; expressing or teaching a conception of right behavior; conforming to a standard of right behavior; sanctioned by or operative on one's conscience or ethical judgment. Webster’s Dictionary describes
Virtue ethics is a theory that focuses on character development and what virtues one should obtain to be who they are supposed to be, as oppose to actions. An example of virtue ethics would be someone who is patient, kind, loving, generous, temperance, courage and flourishing as oppose to a person who lies, cheats, and