RE- virtue theory

• Virtue theory- Aristotle 


  Nicomachaen ethics = his book- explains the purpose of life, need for moral behaviour.
• Virtue theory-Character


  Aristotle believed virtue is not found in what people do, but what type of person they are.

  VT- good qualities, all people have a purpose = telos. Eudomonia = pure hapiness.
• Virtue theory- Interrelationships 


  Without friendship, no on to practise bring virtuous with
• Virtue theory-Excellence


  Important role- develop virtues, eliminate vices
• Virtue theory- Virtues


  Moral virtues- qualities of character, developed by habit.

  Intellectual virtues- qualities of mind, taught and learnt.

  12 moral virtues- courage + truthfulness
• Virtue theory- Average 


  Vice of deficency- not enough of it

  Vice of excess- too much

  Want inbetween = golden mean/ vice

  E.g Cowardice , Courage , Recklessness

  Understandment, Truthfulness, Boastfulness

  Aim = self control
• Virtue theory- Beatitude


  Not trying to do good actions but be good people. Aim of beatitude= produce a life of happiness.
• Virtue theory- love 


  Jesus taught loving god + love your neighbour= 2 most important qualities. Love = supreme virtue for christianity
• Virtue theory-Eschatology 


  = ' last things' Awarded in next life by god. Virtue- heaven. Vice - hell
• Virtue theory- weaknesses


  Virtues arent a practical guide

  Too vague+ general to help in real life. Doesnt guide our actions + tell us what to do. 2 people might disagree on what a virtue is. Doesnt give a list of unacceptable actions. VT doesnt address real life dilemmas - abortion/ euthanasia
• Virtue theory- weakness 2 


  CULTURAL RELATIVISM

  Cant judge/ compare between cultures.+

  Virtues will differ from society to society, VT only reflects the value of the culture its found in
• Virtue theory- weakness 3


  VIRTUES CAN BE USED FOR IMMORAL ACTS

  VT = self-centred. Primary concern = my own character morality, supposed to be about others. Being concerned with character not acts can lead to immoral acts being seen as virtuous.
• Virtue theory-strength 1

  GIVES MORAL MOTIVATION+

  Every action = significant. Can change your character. Positive form of motivation
• Virtue theory- strength 2

  MAKES PEOPLE MORE IMPORTANT THAN ACTIONS

  Focuses on what it means to be human, not just on what we should do. People come first. Focus on our development. Gives us an end ( telos), helps us florish
• Virtue theory - strength 3

  PRACTICAL AND REASLISTIC

  people dont have time to work out right cause of action. Set of virtues is needed by all people at all times- courage and patience. Realistic- VT sets attainable targets for us