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Virtue Approach Theory

Virtue Approach Theory. Kayla Schwindt & Liz Ericksen April 9, 2009. Virtue Approach Summary. The identity or character of a person Attitudes that produce highest human potential Concentrate on the state of mind which develops our character, strive to be better for my own sake.

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Virtue Approach Theory

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  1. Virtue Approach Theory Kayla Schwindt & Liz Ericksen April 9, 2009

  2. Virtue Approach Summary • The identity or character of a person • Attitudes that produce highest human potential • Concentrate on the state of mind which develops our character, strive to be better for my own sake

  3. Virtue Characteristics

  4. Virtue Approach (cont) • Certain ideals we should strive for • To provide full development of humanity • Ideals are discovered through • Thoughtful reflection of what kind of people we have the potential to become • Attitudes that produce highest human potential • Strive to be a good person (not w/rules)

  5. In short, the Virtue Approach focuses on attitudes, dispositions, or character traits that enable us to be and to act in ways that develop our human potential

  6. Alasdair MacIntyre’s Revolutionary Aristotelianism: Ethics, Resistance and Utopia June 2008 Combines insights from Marx with those of Aquinas and Aristotle.

  7. Alasdair MacIntyre • January 12, 1929 – Current • Glasgow, Scotland

  8. “We can begin to work on the kinds of small communities that are capable of preserving the practices and virtues even in the face of liberal capitalism.” • Whose Justice? Which Rationality? 99

  9. MacIntyre has argued that Aquinas' combination of theories are more insightful than modern moral theories by focusing upon the telos ('end', or completion) of a social practice and of a human life Virtue Ethics

  10. Five Questions for Virtue Approach • What benefits and what harms will each course of action produce, and which alternative will lead to the best overall consequences? • What moral rights do the affected parties have, and which course of action best respects those rights? • Which course of action treats everyone the same, except where there is a morally justifiable reason not to, and does not show favoritism or discrimination? • Which course of action advances the common good? • Which course of action develops moral virtues?

  11. Thought Experiment • Imagine that the natural sciences were to suffer the effects of a catastrophe…. • A series of environmental disasters [which] are blamed by the general public on the scientists

  12. The Virtue of Kindness • Involves the right sort of emotions and inner states with respect to our feelings towards others.

  13. Virtue Approach Criticism’s • Self Centered • Morality is determined by our interaction with others • It’s Not Action-Guiding • Virtue ethics is based on an inexact system • Does not show efficient ways to behave • Different cultures and societies have such a huge variation on what virtue is • The way women are viewed

  14. Virtue Criticism’s (Cont) • Useless as a universal norm of acceptable conduct suitable as a base for legislation • Does not focus on wrong actions • Virtues should be decided by the community • Virtues differ based on time and place • Not possible to base judicial system on virtues versus rules

  15. Review Questions • What is another way in which the Virtue theory would cause clash between cultures? • Different cultures and societies have such a huge variation on what virtue is • The way women are viewed • The way baby girls are viewed • Can you list 3 of the virtue characteristics?

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