Virtue Ethics A Theory Of Morality - 1448 Words

Virtue Ethics is a theory of morality. It only takes into account the individuals themselves when distinguishing morality. As defined in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Virtue Ethics is the theory that â€Å"emphasizes the virtues, or moral character, in contrast to the approach which emphasizes duties or rules (deontology) or that which emphasizes the consequences of actions (consequentialism).† It is because of it’s seemingly â€Å"rule less† structure that the theory has shown appeal. Virtue ethics places the emphasis on the type of person performing the action as oppose to action itself. This leaves room for the importance of character and a greater emphasis on the intentions of the person rather than the consequences or rules as above stated. This also means that people can learn to improve their moral life by becoming more virtuous. Those in oppose to Virtue Ethics argue that the rules of deontology and consequentialism provide the rigid action gui dance lacking in v-ethics and because of this, what is â€Å"right† or â€Å"good† is’ obliviously’ more clearly defined. Without clarity in what is right/good, how can we know what is more virtuous of a decision? In this paper is will refute the objections to virtue ethics stating that virtue ethics, (1.) Does not specify what the â€Å"right action† is and (2.) Does not provide action guidance. Firstly, a definition of â€Å"right† and is needed to understand the basis of which we will be discussing virtue ethics. According to RosalindShow MoreRelatedMoral Reasoning And Ethical Decision Making1144 Words   |  5 PagesThere are various theories used to explain moral reasoning and ethical decision making. These theories are used to assist people in deciding between the right and wrong acts. One of these theories is the virtue ethics, which is used to determine whether an act is virtuous or vicious. David Hume and Aristotle were among the first philosophers to use virtue ethics to differentiate between virtues and vices. According to Hume, an act is virtuous if it represents what a virtuous person would characteristicallyRead MoreThe Similarities and Differences Between Different Ethical Theories651 Words   |  3 PagesDifferences in Ethics: The main aim of any ethical theory is to do what is right and good since it involves moral rules or acting based on specific ethical values. In certain cases, the right and good as well as the ethical rules and values are sometimes common to various ethical theories. Even though ethical theories have different reasons for application, there is an overlap in these theories that result in similar conduct in an ethical situation. 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Aristotle’s idea of Virtue Ethics was influenced by his belief that all things and all humans have a purpose (a telos). For him a complete explanation of something has to include its final cause or purpose which essentially is to realise its potential. Virtue Ethics itself is concerned with the characteristics of a person rather than how a person behaves and it is this he outlined in his book Nicomachean Ethics. A ‘’virtue’’Read MoreThe Theory Of Ethics And Ethics1246 Words   |  5 Pagesdifferent theories of ethics by many different philosophers. We have examined these theories by looking at different examples of how someone who believes in a specific theory would respond to the situation. I have come to the conclusion after closely examining each theory of ethics that virtue ethics presented by Rosalind Hursthouse is closest to correct. Even though virtue ethics has a few flaws that I believe need to be revised, this theory is closest to what I b elieve is correct. This theory is well