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Virtue Theory

Virtue Theory. Sarah Geiser Samantha Race Joe Cull Jennifer Lick M, 8:30 Ethical Theories Presentation November 3, 2008. Virtue Theory.

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Virtue Theory

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  1. Virtue Theory Sarah Geiser Samantha Race Joe Cull Jennifer Lick M, 8:30 Ethical Theories Presentation November 3, 2008

  2. Virtue Theory The virtue approach to ethics assumes that there are certain ideals toward which we should strive, which provide for the full development of our humanity. These ideals are discovered through thoughtful reflection on what kind of people we have the potential to become.

  3. Virtue Theory Virtues are attitudes or character traits that enable us to be and to act in ways that develop our highest potential. They enable us to pursue the ideals we have adopted.

  4. Examples of Virtues • Honesty • Courage • Compassion • Generosity • Fidelity • Integrity • Fairness • Self-Control • Prudence

  5. Plato(427?-347BCE)

  6. Plato Plato was the first person to bring virtues into modern philosophy. Plato argued that one should try to do the right thing, or be good, because it is in one's own self-interest.

  7. Aristotle(384-322 BCE) “All Virtue is summed up in dealing justly.”

  8. Aristotle The most influential classical account of the virtues comes from the Greek philosopher Aristotle. Even though Aristotle was a student of Plato, he contributed more to defining virtue theory than Plato did.

  9. Aristotle According to Aristotle, everything in the world has a distinctive and essential function or activity. For example: “ Good Carpenters are those who build sturdy and beautiful things … Similarly, there must be a characteristic or set of characteristics that define our “essence” – the human “function.”

  10. Criticisms of Virtue Theory Who decides what virtues are most important Self-Centeredness Action guiding

  11. Who Decides Different cultures seem to provide different models of moral virtue, and there may be several, some conflicting, within a given culture.

  12. Self-Centerdness This theory is supposed to focus on others, but it tends to focus on one’s own characteristics.

  13. Action Guiding Fundamentally this theory is about how we should act, but it fails to give us any help with the practicalities of how we should behave.

  14. Current Ethical Dilemma Abortion - Pro-Life vs. - Pro-Choice

  15. Pro-Life • Positive Virtues • Respect for life • Loving • Honorable • Negative Virtues • Inhumane • Irresponsible

  16. Pro-Choice • Positive Virtues • Cautious • Responsible • Maintaining Innocence (In the case of rape or incest) • Negative Virtues • Selfish • Irresponsible

  17. Questions What virtues are important to you? How were your virtues developed in your life? How do you use your virtues to make decisions in your every-day life?

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