Lecture Notes: Virtue Theory and Aristotle

Introduction to Virtue Theory

• Describes a person who knows what to say, can diffuse situations, is confident, brave, generous.
• Such individuals are considered virtuous, as per Aristotle.
• Virtue theory focuses on character rather than rules for action.

Eudaimonia

• The ultimate purpose of being virtuous is achieving eudaimonia (a life well-lived).

Proper Functioning

• Aristotle believed everything has a function, and being good is fulfilling that function.
• Humans are rational and social animals.
• Similarity to natural law theory, but for Aristotle, it’s about nature, not God.

What is Virtue?

• Doing the right thing, the right way, at the right time, in the right amount, toward the right people.
• Virtue is the midpoint, or the Golden Mean, between extremes (vices).

Examples of Virtues

• Courage:

  • Midpoint between cowardice (deficiency) and recklessness (excess).
  • Courageous action involves assessing situations and knowing when to act or seek help.

• Honesty:

  • Between brutal honesty and withholding necessary truth.
  • Knowing how to deliver truths gracefully.

• Generosity:

  • Avoids stinginess and over-giving.
  • Giving appropriately when capable.

Acquiring Virtue

• Virtue is learned through experience, not just study.
• Practical wisdom is key, akin to 'street smarts'.
• Learn virtue by emulating moral exemplars.
• Virtue becomes part of character through habituation.

Importance of Virtue

• Achieving eudaimonia, which involves constant improvement and striving.
• A eudaimonistic life involves pushing oneself, setting new goals.
• Success is derived from effort, not ease.

Conclusion

• Virtue theory is about being the best version of oneself.
• It encourages good actions naturally through character development.

Next topic: Moral luck in ethics.