Different Approach: Unlike other ethical theories like utilitarianism, which focus on defining good actions, Aristotle's virtue ethics focuses on defining a good person.
Good Actions: Actions performed by a good or virtuous person.
Key Concepts in Virtue Ethics
Eudaimonia
Often translated as happiness, but more accurately refers to living well or human flourishing.
Represents a life that one would want for themselves: morally good, successful, full of achievement, surrounded by loving friends and family.
Ergon (Function)
Refers to the function or characteristic activity that defines an object.
A good object performs its function well (e.g., a sharp knife).
Virtues are traits that enable an object to perform its function effectively.
Human Ergon
Unique human function is the use of reason and acting rightly according to reason.
Virtues in humans are character traits that help them act according to reason.
Virtues and the Doctrine of the Mean
Character Traits: Courage, friendliness, self-control, etc.
Doctrine of the Mean: Virtues are the midpoint between two vices, a vice of excess and a vice of deficiency.
E.g., Courage is between cowardice (deficiency) and recklessness (excess).
Role of Emotions and Practical Wisdom
Emotions: Should be felt at the right time and in the right way.
Practical Wisdom (Phronesis): The ability to reason and determine the right course of action in any situation.
Development of Virtues
Acquired through habit and practice, not just theoretical knowledge.
Requires actively engaging in virtuous actions until they become part of one's character.
Issues and Critiques
Circular Definitions
Circularity Concern: Defining virtuous acts by what virtuous people do and vice versa.
Resolution may involve defining virtuous people in terms of eudaimonia and flourishing.
Competing Virtues
Situations where different virtues suggest different actions (e.g., honesty vs. kindness).
Requires practical wisdom to resolve these conflicts.
Eudaimonia and Moral Goodness
Critique that virtues may not always contribute to a person's flourishing.
Argument that virtues can be defined as those character traits leading to a good life for others, not just oneself.
Lack of Clear Guidance
Criticism that virtue ethics does not provide clear rules for actions, unlike utilitarianism and Kantian ethics.
Aristotle suggests developing practical wisdom and using role models.
Conclusion
Virtue ethics focuses on character and the development of virtuous traits.
Encourages a balanced life where virtues are cultivated to achieve eudaimonia.
Recognizes the complexity of human life and rejects simple, universal rules.