philosophy ( ethics )- Homework

QUICK NOTES ON VIRTUE THEORY

Virtue theory is sometimes referred to as aretaic ethics. This is because with this group of normative theories the focus is on the character of the agent, as opposed to on the nature of the action, or the consequences of acting. We might say that the emphasis is on being as opposed to doing—it informs us of how we should be as opposed to what we should do. Aristotle has the most notable version of the virtue theory. There are three main components to Aristotle’s theory that are important: 1. The good for Aristotle is Eudaimonia. It is something that is not only good for society, or good in itself. It is also good for you, the agent. Eudaimonia is roughly translated to happiness, or human flourishing. 2. Humanity has a function (this is to say that human nature is teleological). The function, according to Aristotle is to use reason in the pursuit of happiness, or Eudaimonia. 3. The question is on how we should be so that we are fulfilling the ultimate human function—and this question is answered by appeal to the virtues.

• The virtues are certain characteristics that dispose one to achieve Eudaimonia.

• Virtues are either intellectual or moral, and these are learned habits, or dispositions, that one acquires through exposure to others who have these virtues.

• The virtues are to be understood as the mean characteristics between two extremes. One extreme of deficiency (not having enough of the characteristic), and one extreme of excess (having too much). See below table for examples.

Sphere of Action Vice of Deficiency Mean Vice of Excess Fear cowardice courage rashness

Self-expression mock-modesty truthfulness boastfulness Pleasure insensibility temperance self-indulgence Shame shamelessness modesty shyness

Social conduct cantankerousness friendliness obsequiousness Lastly, note that there are two forceful criticisms that virtue theory can make against deontology. 1. Deontology is not motivating—the belief that we should act in certain ways because it’s a duty, and duty is valuable, fails to be as motivating as the belief that one should act in a certain manner because it will be good for society, but them as well. 2. Deontology is not spiritual enough—moral judgments are only about actions for the deontologist, and this ignores the importance in morality of qualities like gratitude, self-respect, and sympathy. Being a good person is entirely irrelevant to deontological systems.