Virtue Ethics

Virtue ethics focuses on the character of the moral agent instead of the rules and consequences. In this view, virtue ethics differs from consequentialism and deontology. The differences between virtue ethics, consequentialism and deontology lies in the way moral dilemmas are approached and solved. Telling a lie could be wrong for a consequentialist owing to the results of telling that lie. Deontologist says that telling lies are wrong even if gives good results. A Virtue ethicist concentrates less on the lie told and more on the decision to lie.

Virtue ethics roots back to the works of Plato and Aristotle in the Greek philosophy. Virtue ethics is a collection of normative ethical philosophies that emphasizes on being than doing. Plato and Aristotle have each treated virtue in a different way. Plato considers virtue as an end to be sought while Aristotle feels that virtue safeguards human relations. Virtue ethics can be classified as deontological ethics and consequentialist ethics. Deontological or duty ethics emphasizes on following rules. The rules to be followed are a point of contention and criticism in deontological ethics. Further information on this regard is found in the works of Immanuel Kant.

Consequentialist ethics asks a person to abstain from something like murder owing to its undesirable effects. ‘The Greatest Happiness Principle’ of John Stuart Mill adopts consequentialist ethics. To a virtue philosopher, however, action is not a demarcation of morality because virtue is more than selecting an action. Eudaimonia is achieved by living a life of virtues. The eight moral virtues include prudence, justice, fortitude, courage, liberality, magnificence, magnanimity and temperance. Non western philosophies like Confucianism incorporate Virtue ethics. Virtue ethics deals with the way one has to live, the definition of good life and proper family and social values.

Virtue ethics has been considered to be self centered and not to guide our actions properly. Besides these critics say that one may or may not attain moral maturity. Virtue ethics encourages people to develop good character traits and break bad habits. Plato suggests developing wisdom, courage, temperance and justice while Aristotle says one could practice good habits that would regulate their emotions and reasons. This would help us reach correct decisions. Character traits are developed by habits of perception, motivation and action. Possessing moral virtues is the best sort of life that a man could lead. Practical wisdom to make the proper judgement at the proper time and situation is essential.

Questions:

• Define Virtue Ethics
• What are the eight moral virtues?