Learning Objective

1. Learning Objective • To know and understand the weaknesses of virtue ethics Key words Ancient values Prohibitive Judgement Key question What is a virtue?

2. One : Non-normative • One of the strengths is its weakness. Virtue theory does not give you a list of prohibitive acts nor does it give you a method of formulating such a list. • Therefore, how do you punish people who act immorally? • Virtue ethics claims to be interested in the society but how can a society develop when there are no rules?

3. Two : Ancient Values • Are ancient values really applicable today? • Can we really apply Aristotle today? • Ancient civilisations were very different from our own. What was good for them might not necessarily be good for us? • Even with the additions of Aquinas are these religious virtues relevant to today’s society? • Examples.

4. “All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind.” Two : Ancient Values • As well as these virtues not being applicable it may be that this structure is not possible for the modern age. • Life is not geared towards the contemplative mind. • We have to work and if we can never achieve virtue if we work then what is the point?

5. Three : Judgement • Virtue theory creates real problems for judgement of people. • If there are four types of people surely the person who acts immoral by accident whilst trying to be virtuous is better than the person who is not trying at all. • If this is the case how do we know they are trying to act virtuously? • It is difficult to decide who is virtuous, as external acts that appear virtuous on the outside may have doubtful inner motives which cannot be perceived and vice-versa.

6. Three : Judgement • This links to the complaint of non-normativity. • How can you create a society where there are rules and government if there is no set rules on how to live?

7. Four : Foot • Using virtue ethics you are supposed to aim you life towards the greatest good. A sense of personal flourishing. • My wisdom should benefits both myself and others with whom I have dealings. • However, in cases of charity and justice it may be that I must sacrifice my own interests for those of others. • I may have to give up luxuries so that the basic needs of others can be met.

8. Four : Foot • Sometimes the right thing for me is not the good for me. • There seem to be situations where there is an absolute sense of goodness. • In which there is always a correct sense of morality. • This refutes Aristotle’s claim that goodness is dependent on humanity.

9. FIVE : ELITIST • Virtue ethics can be considered quite elitist. • Aristotle claims that a person who does not have a formal education can never reach true morality. • This is because they have not been educated in the virtues. • It is also because they have not had the correct character building experiences

10. FIVE : ELITIST • It seems that this is not quite true. • it seems wrong that just because someone is uneducated and poor that they cannot be moral. • These people in order to make a moral action will have to overcome a stronger moral dilemma and surely this should be credited.

11. Weaknesses Overview • Non-normative • Ancient values • Judgement • Foot • ELITIST