Download - The Virtue Theory of Ethics
The Virtue Theory of Ethics
By Tony, Andy, and Kerry
Virtues
Attitudes Character TraitsDeveloping Highest
Potential
The Virtue Approach The principle states: "What is ethical is what develops moral virtues in ourselves and our communities."
Examples of Virtues
Honesty Courage CompassionGenerosity
FairnessSelf-ControlIntegrity
Aristotle(384-322 BCE)
Philosopher
“ everything has a distinctive and
essential function or activity”
Aristotle(384-322 BCE)
Aristotle believed that humans were “rational Animals.”
Aristotle deeply influenced medieval Christian thinkers.
St. Thomas Aquinas(1224-1274)
Aquinas borrowed Aristotle’s “logic of
virtue”
St. Thomas Aquinas(1224-1274)
Believed reason was not an end in itself but instead a means to better knowing ourselves and god.
Criticisms of Virtue Ethics
Cultures are often morally incompatible.
Cultures have different views on virtue.
Criticisms of Virtue Ethics
The Idea that facing pain and death is a virtuous and necessary experience is widely opposed
A current Ethical Dilemma
Euthanasia
Euthanasia is the practice of medically assisted death.
Euthanasia Virtue theorists are against euthanasia.
Facing pain and death is a virtuous and necessary experience
Virtue Theorists are pro-life
Review Questions
1. How likely are you to take a virtuous perspective?
2. What are some examples of virtues?
Review Questions3. Who influenced virtue theory?
ANY QUESTIONS
?
THE END