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Virtue Ethics

Virtue Ethics. Amy, Brian, Christina and Laura. What is virtue of ethics?. Focuses on moral development, doing something because it is the right thing to do, rather than focusing on consequences . Contributions to Theory of Virtue. Greek view Mainly Aristotle

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Virtue Ethics

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  1. Virtue Ethics Amy, Brian, Christina and Laura

  2. What is virtue of ethics? • Focuses on moral development, doing something because it is the right thing to do, rather than focusing on consequences

  3. Contributions to Theory of Virtue • Greek view • Mainly Aristotle • Aquinas added the “theological” virtues • Plato

  4. Other Contributions • Chinese view • Confucius (551-479) BC

  5. Other Contributions • Buddhism • Taoism

  6. Plato • Four Cardinal Virtues: • Wisdom (Calculative) • Courage (Spirited) • Moderation (Appetitive) • Justice (Founding/Preserving Virtue); “tend to your soul, know yourself”

  7. Aristotle Quotes • “Virtue is in a moral sense, a product of habit” • “Neither by nature, then, nor contrary to nature do excellence arise in us; rather we are adapted by nature to receive them, and are made perfect by habit.”

  8. Plato and Aristotle • Both are considered the founders of the theory of virtue

  9. Questions Which Virtue Ethical Systems Ask: • What virtues are characteristic of the person I want to be? • What actions will cultivate the virtues I want to possess? • What actions will be characteristic of the sort of person I want to be?

  10. Biggest Criticism • Does not give clear guidance in specific circumstances

  11. Another Criticism • Virtues are really another way of stating moral rules, and that the virtues depend on the existence of these rules

  12. Another Criticism • Rejects moral absolutes such as “Do not lie” • But then values the virtue of honesty

  13. Yet Another Criticism • Different cultures have different models of moral virtue • May be several conflicting within that culture • Example

  14. Current Dilemma • Can be applied to many issues • World hunger • Homelessness

  15. Questions for Discussion • Would you defend this theory or criticize it? • Why should we bother with virtue ethics? • Why do you think we need or don’t need it?

  16. Any Other Questions???

  17. The End

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