Virtue Ethics

• What are key terms in Virtue Ethics?

  • Heroic Society: judged by deeds
  • Eudaimonia: ultimate happiness
  • Virtues: morally good characteristics
  • Excess: too much of a characteristic
  • Abstinence: too little of a characteristic
  • Golden Mean: moderate characteristics
  • Flourishing society: striving for Eudaimonia
  • Intellectual virtues: help understand the golden mean
• What does Aristotle mean by "you are what you do"?

  Morally defined by one's actions
• What is Eudaimonia according to Aristotle?

  Ultimate happiness through living virtuously
• What are virtues?

  Morally good characteristics
• What does "excess" refer to in Aristotle's ethics?

  Having too much of a characteristic
• What does "abstinence" mean in Aristotle's context?

  Having too little of a characteristic
• What is the Golden Mean?

  Moderate characteristics between excess and abstinence
• What is a flourishing society according to Aristotle?


  A society where everyone strives for Eudaimonia
• What are intellectual virtues?


  Additional virtues for understanding the Golden Mean
• Why is Aristotle's theory considered hybrid?


  It combines teleological and deontological aspects
• What does "telos" refer to in Aristotle's ethics?

  Ultimate purpose of human behavior
• How does Aristotle define theft?

  Taking property with intent to injure
• Why does Aristotle consider theft always wrong?

  It prevents society from flourishing
• What is the virtue of sincerity in relation to theft?

  It suggests theft is a dishonest action
• How might followers of Virtue Ethics view stealing food for a starving family?

  It could be seen as virtuous intent
• How does Aristotle view lying?


  It does not show moral character
• What is the role of leisure time in Virtue Ethics?

  It helps individuals reach Eudaimonia
• What is the basic intention of Virtue Ethics?

  To learn how to be a better person
• What does Aristotle suggest about finding a moral teacher?


  It is important for learning virtuous behavior
• How does Virtue Ethics view learning from mistakes?


  It allows for growth in moral character
• What are the five intellectual virtues Aristotle identifies?


  Prudence, intuitive intelligence, wisdom, scientific knowledge, art
• What are the strengths of Virtue Ethics?

  • Part of everyday life
  • Less harsh than strict rules
  • Potential for moral learning
  • Fits with Christian teachings
  • Applicable to atheists
• What are the weaknesses of Virtue Ethics?

  • Too nostalgic and focuses on happiness
  • Lacks answers for specific dilemmas
  • Outdated principles from Ancient Greece
  • No direct condemnation of murder
  • Unity of virtues may seem impossible
• What is Aristotle's view on abortion?

  He does not comment on embryo personhood
• How might Aristotle's theory view euthanasia?

  It may be acceptable to relieve suffering
• What is Aristotle's stance on capital punishment?

  He likely supports it for maintaining justice
• How does Aristotle view embryo research?

  He does not comment on embryo personhood
• What is Aristotle's perspective on designer babies?

  He does not comment on embryo personhood
• What does Aristotle say about cloning?

  He does not comment on embryo personhood
• What is Aristotle's view on animals in blood sports?

  He likely sees no problem due to hierarchy
• How does Aristotle's theory apply to animal suffering?

  A virtuous person considers all beings' suffering
• What is the significance of leisure time in Virtue Ethics?

  It contributes to achieving Eudaimonia
• What is the role of a moral teacher in Virtue Ethics?

  To guide individuals in virtuous behavior
• How does Aristotle view the relationship between actions and intentions?

  Both are important for moral character
• What is the basic intention of Virtue Ethics?

  To learn how to be a better person
• What does Aristotle suggest about learning from mistakes?

  It is part of developing moral character
• What is the significance of the Golden Mean in Aristotle's ethics?

  It represents moderation in virtues
• How does Aristotle's theory address the issue of theft?

  It is always considered wrong
• What does Aristotle say about the virtue of sincerity?

  It suggests lying is a dishonest action
• How does Aristotle's ethics view the act of lying?

  It does not show moral character