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Virtue Ethics: A Theoretical Framework for Ethical Conduct
Sandesh Khadka
Amberton University
RGS6036.E1
Exercise 2
03/31/2024
Virtue Ethics: A Theoretical Framework for Ethical Conduct
Theory Description
Normative ethics that places an emphasis on the qualities that allow people to flourish is known as virtue ethics. While deontological and consequentialist theories place an emphasis on doing the right thing and acting in accordance with moral principles, virtue ethics is more concerned with the agent's moral nature (Hursthouse & Pettigrove, 2018).
*** *** **********The reference citation should have the year and page numbers in parentheses following the name. If there is no page, use N.P., and no date, use N.D.
Virtue ethics has its origins in the writings of the Stoics and Aristotle, two figures from ancient Greek philosophy. Eudaimonia, which can mean either happiness or flourishing, was, in Aristotle's view, the pinnacle of human achievement. Virtues like bravery, moderation, justice, and phronesis (practical wisdom) are what he said were necessary for reaching eudaimonia (Brown, 2009). A life in harmony with reason and nature was highly valued by the Stoics, who advocated for the development of virtues including wisdom, justice, temperance, and bravery (Inwood, 2003).
Key Concepts and Principles
Virtue ethicists argue that being virtuous entails more than just having a good attitude; it also requires the kind of practical insight that may help you figure out what to do when faced with a dilemma (Hursthouse, 2012). As opposed to being perceived as a means to an aim, virtues are considered worthwhile in and of themselves. A virtuous individual is one who consistently demonstrates virtue rather than merely occasionally. The concept of moral exemplars, or those who live out the virtues and set a good example for others to follow, is central to virtue ethics. One way to understand virtue is to look at the examples set by these great people (Zagzebski, 2017).
Theory Application
One way to assess the moral fiber and behavior of the people engaged in the Warner case studies is by using virtue ethics. Integrity, bravery, and loyalty are some of the virtues that might be used to examine the employee's behavior in Case 3.1 (The Organizational Informant), who disclosed the company's unethical activities. An example of these attributes would be the employee's decision to come clean about the misconduct, even though doing so could have personal repercussions. In Case 4.3 (The Social Media Influencer),
*** **Warner’s case study, Melinda’s Dilemma was the case you were to apply the theory to.
we can use values like honesty, responsibility, and care for others to analyze the influencer's actions in promoting possibly dangerous products to their followers. It is possible to judge the influencer's behavior by looking at whether they displayed these qualities or put their own interests ahead of ethical ones.
Theory Analysis
By viewing the development of moral character and the cultivation of virtues as means to human happiness, virtue ethics provides an all-encompassing framework within which to examine ethical questions. It lays us the groundwork for comprehending the moral exemplars—those who are living examples of virtue who may guide us in how to act ethically. Furthermore, virtue ethics recognizes the complexity of real-life ethical dilemmas and stresses the significance of practical wisdom in deciding the right thing to do in any particular scenario. On the other hand, virtue ethics is not without its detractors. Determining what is a virtue and how to apply it in a given circumstance is not always easy, therefore one criticism is that it lacks clear decision-making rules and is subjective. Because it does not deal with justice, rights, and obligations enough, virtue ethics, according to some opponents, does not give a complete moral theory (Crisp, 2020). Furthermore, when competing qualities are considered equally significant, disputes may arise regarding their relative importance and the best way to prioritize them.
A major challenge with virtue ethics is the potential subjectivity in defining virtues and their application, which can cause disagreements and inconsistencies in ethical decision-making. Nevertheless, I appreciate virtue ethics' focus on moral character development and its acknowledgement of the importance of role models in influencing ethical behavior. Moreover, for a more complete picture of how to make ethical decisions, additional ethical frameworks may be necessary to supplement virtue ethics, which provides a helpful viewpoint on ethics and stresses the significance of moral character.
References
Brown, L. (Ed.). (2009). The nicomachean ethics. Oxford University Press, USA.
Crisp, R. (2020). Are we climbing the same mountain? Moral theories, moral concepts, moral questions. Zeitschrift für Ethik und Moralphilosophie, 3(2), 269-278.
Hursthouse, R. (2012). Human nature and Aristotelian virtue ethics. Royal Institute of Philosophy Supplements, 70, 169-188.
Hursthouse, R., & Pettigrove, G. (2018). Virtue Ethics. In E. N. Zalta (Ed.), The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Winter 2018). https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2018/entries/ethics-virtue/
Inwood, B. (Ed.). (2003). The Cambridge companion to the Stoics. Cambridge University Press.
Zagzebski, L. (2017). Exemplarist moral theory. Oxford University Press.
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PTS FOR 2.1: 0 NOT SUBMITTED