VIRTUE+ETHICS

=VIRTUE ETHICS=

Basic Principles of the Theory -
Virtue ethics is a philosophy concerned with the development of good character. An individual operating from a virtue ethics perspective would try to identify ideal values and exemplify those values in everyday life. The opposite of virtue - vice - is considered a barrier to self-improvement.

Virtues are viewed as acquired habits; therefore, adults are responsible for educating children about morality. There is little emphasis placed on "following the rules", as virtue ethicists believe that positive character development is a precursor to making sound decisions.

Specifics of the Ethical Approach -
In this philosophical framework, intellectual and moral virtues are distinguished from one another. The former is defined as the ability to understand and reason well; it is seen as teachable. The latter is defined as the force that causes us to behave appropriately. Unlike intellectual virtue, morality will only develop from repeated opportunities to practice the virtue in question.

Aristotle speculated that one of the key points of virtue ethics is the concept of virtue as the "mean". For example - if rashness (deficit) and cowardice (excess) are both vices that develop from fear, then courage (the mean) must be virtuous. Some contend that this position is overly simplistic.

Historical Background -
Who have been the major proponents? From where did the theory arise? Virtue ethics can be traced back to Chinese Philosophy but, **Plato** and Aristotle are considered the "fathers" of virtue ethics. **Aristotle**'s moral philosophy stressed the idea of virtue (or [|arete]), which for Aristotle defined as some sort of excellence. According to Aristotle, there are two types of virtue: intellectual and moral. Intellectual virtues are excellences of the mind (i.e. good judgement and reason). Moral virtues are those that allow us to behave or act well. Aristotle is most well known for his view that virtue is the mean between two extremes, too little vs. too much of a particular virtue. (see example 1 below.) Other influential contemporary contributors to virtue ethics include **[|Bernard Williams], [|John McDowell]** and **[|Rosalind Hursthouse].**
 * Philippa Foot** is a contemporary moral philosopher who tried to modernize Aristotle's virtue ethics and developed a "neo-naturalistic virtue ethics." Foot believes that ourselves as well as our community benefit from having particular virtues. Conversely having particular vices would harm ourselves and our community.
 * Carol Gilligan**, psychologist, researched male and female perspectives of virtues. She found that men and women view differently what in morally required of them. Males and females use different moral language as well as reason moral logic differently.
 * Alasdair MacIntyre**, a contemporary moral philosopher, believes that virtues depend on (at least partly) on the practices of a particular culture or society.

Two Examples -
These should illustrate the theory for an "average" reader.
 * 1) Aristotle was most well known for his view that virtue is the mean between two extremes. Aristotle's view of virtue can be seen in the nursery rhyme Goldilocks. Think of what Goldilocks liked best... she liked the porridge that was "just right" not too hot and not too cold (too hot and too cold would be two extremes). The same with the beds and the chairs. We want to strive for the means of virtues, the "just rights," and avoid the extremes.
 * 2) Masculine and feminine views of virtue differ. Females tend to take into account relationships, responsibility and feelings. The males reasoning is more impersonal and straight forward. An example of this that MacKinnon offered in the text was a hypothetical moral question posed to a female and a male. A man's wife was extremely ill and needed medication that they couldn't afford. The medicine will save the wife's life; should the man steal the medicine. The female answered and wondered what would happen to the man if he stole it; would he go to jail? She wanted the couple to perhaps discuss other options to stealing the drug. The male answered the question by using a rational calculation by weighing and comparing values.

References -
Hursthouse, R. (2007). Virtue Ethics. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved March 4, 2008 from []

Virtue Ethics Lecture 1: Virtue Ethics Past and Present. Retrieved March 6, 2009, from []

About.com. //Virtue ethics: Morality and character//. Retrieved March 4, 2009, from []

Ethical Theories Index Page. Introduction to virtue ethics. Retrieved March 4, 2009, from []

The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. //Ethics//. Retrieved March 4, 2009, from []

Mackinnon, B. (2007). //Ethics: Theory and contemporary issues//. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth.

Online Guide to Ethics and Moral Philosophy. //Virtue ethics//. Retrieved March 4, 2009, from []