ISSUES RAISED AGAINST VIRTUE
VIRTUE ETHICS
TYPES OF ETHICS
1. METAETHICS
- descriptive in nature
- understand the nature and dynamics of
ethical principles
- asks about the nature and origin of moral
facts, way in which we learn, and acquire
moral beliefs
2. NORMATIVE ETHICS
- prescriptive in nature
- set norms and standards that regulate right
and wrong or good and bad conduct
- attempts to develop guidelines or theories
that tell us how we ought to behave
3. APPLIED ETHICS
- actual application of ethical or moral
theories
VIRTUE ETHICS
- normative moral theory
- emphasizes right disposition and character of
the agent over right action
- asks “How ought I to live my life?” or “What kind
of person ought I to be?”
- does not set up rules or principles for moral
behavior
 Stresses the importance of cultivating the
right character without which a moral
agent can hardly do the right thing, follow
moral rules and do his moral duties.
- supporters of virtue ethics claims that development
of moral virtues is more fundamental than the
establishment of norms or principles based on duty
or consequences
 Thus, the strength of virtue ethics hinges on
character formation and moral education
ETHICS
ITS INABILITY TO GUIDE ACTIONS
- according to this, VE cannot provide definite rules
for moral behavior
 However, this criticism seems to overlook
the fact that what is fundamental in the
virtue ethics approach is not following
rules.
 Rule-following will only work if the moral
agent has the character and disposition to
follow rules.
IT IS SELF-CENTERED
- according to this, VE focuses on the agent’s
character and not on the duty one owes to another or
the promotion of another person’s benefit
 It’s self-centered because it’s about
acquiring virtues for the moral agent’s well-
being or flourishing.
 Not all virtues are self-regarding (courage,
perseverance) because there are other virtues
which are other-regarding (kindness)
ARISTOTLE ON VIRTUE
AND THE GOOD LIFE
He argued that an understanding of human nature,
one is able to discern his purpose in life.
 Attainment of this purpose is at the same
time the living of the good life.
 But this purpose can only be achieved by
LIVING WELL, that is to say:
 Acquiring and possessing those good
qualities and excellences that enable
a person to function well as a human
being.
 WELL-FUNCTIONING HUMAN BEING
= GOOD HUMAN BEING
Aristotle offers a theory of human nature which  Thus, promoting the well-being of
became the basis for the good life. the community (more noble and
important) therefore is more
 According to him, human beings by nature
important than promoting the well-
seek the good. The good is the aim of every
being of an individual.
human endeavor.
 The good is sought either because it is a Since the good life is connected with the cultivation
means to another end or it is an end in of virtues in life, then man must use his reason to
itself. The good as a means is subordinate acquire them.
to the good as an end in itself because its
 Aristotle argues that man must acquire
usefulness to attain another good.
both intellectual and moral virtues in life.
 SUPREME GOOD (good as an end itself)
 INTELLECTUAL VIRTUES (Speculative
- good which is desired for its own sake and
Part):
which all other goods are pursued is the
 Understanding – knowledge of first
highest.
principles and self-evident truths
 The good as an end in itself is the
 Science – virtue that enables man to
highest good because man no longer
draw conclusions from first
seeks beyond it; this highest good is
principles
man’s happiness.
 Wisdom – knowledge of things in
 Happiness is man’s ultimate purpose
their ultimate explanations
in life.
 INTELLECTUAL VIRTUES (Practical
For Aristotle, men seek happiness, either in Part):
PLEASURE, HONOR, and CONTEMPLATION.  Art – knowledge of how to produce
and make things
 Happiness from pleasure and honor is not
 Prudence – knowledge of how to
lasting. It depends on external things.
perform actions in the right way, how
 What gives man true happiness, is
to make good choices and decisions.
that which befits human nature. For
 Intellectual virtues are cultivated and
man to live the good life, he must
acquired through education while moral
function well as a human being.
virtues through habit and training, guided by
 Reason must be developed and
prudence.
cultivated in order for man to be
 VIRTUES are dispositions which develop a
happy.
man’s character and attitude.
 Man must not only focus on physical
 They are traits in man that makes
activities but must give importance
him into a fully developed person
on intellectual, moral, and spiritual
thereby making him attain the good
activities, for these activities spring
life.
from man’s reason.
In conclusion, if a person is able to cultivate the
intellectual and moral virtues, then he functions
For Aristotle, it is a fact however that man does not well as a human being. Only then can he live the
live alone; he lives with others in a community. good life. But again, he only acquires these
virtues through education and practice since
 Man can only pursue the good life in
virtues are not acquired immediately.
cooperation with his fellow men.