Founded by Aristotle, Virtue Ethics does not look at an action (what we do), in and of itself; instead, it studies whether the person acting is good and in what ways (who we are). It is only through our disposition for virtue that we can achieve eudaimonia - happiness.
It is important to remember that in Virtue Ethics a person can do the right thing with the wrong motives and not be considered virtuous.
Aristotle believed that virtues were the highest qualities of humanity. Virtues ethics doesn't focus on what is right and what is wrong in regards to rules. Instead, Aristotle chose to study why certain people behave the way they do in a variety of situations. The traits these people have are what makes them virtuous.
Everyone may confront …show more content…
This officer is not above manipulating evidence to get the verdict he wants, terrorizing inmates in the local jail, and stealing from the local business. Now, he never did these things but the only reason why is because he will lose his job. What does this say about his virtues?
It is most important to understand that virtues are not something we are born with; they are instilled within us as we mature and learn. The environment a child has been raised in plays a significant role in what virtues that child may develop. A child raised feeling like a burden, with no one caring about his well-being may end up lacking empathy and compassion toward other people. His parents have shown the welfare of others doesn't matter.
Our virtues tell us how to behave in certain situations, and while there may be circumstances where it seems there is no good choice; a choice made with good intentions will always be the choice of a virtuous person. Having the courage to make these hard decisions is only the beginning, respecting others, having compassion, and showing tenacity in the face of adversity will lead to an actual life of
It is important to remember that in Virtue Ethics a person can do the right thing with the wrong motives and not be considered virtuous.
Aristotle believed that virtues were the highest qualities of humanity. Virtues ethics doesn't focus on what is right and what is wrong in regards to rules. Instead, Aristotle chose to study why certain people behave the way they do in a variety of situations. The traits these people have are what makes them virtuous.
Everyone may confront …show more content…
This officer is not above manipulating evidence to get the verdict he wants, terrorizing inmates in the local jail, and stealing from the local business. Now, he never did these things but the only reason why is because he will lose his job. What does this say about his virtues?
It is most important to understand that virtues are not something we are born with; they are instilled within us as we mature and learn. The environment a child has been raised in plays a significant role in what virtues that child may develop. A child raised feeling like a burden, with no one caring about his well-being may end up lacking empathy and compassion toward other people. His parents have shown the welfare of others doesn't matter.
Our virtues tell us how to behave in certain situations, and while there may be circumstances where it seems there is no good choice; a choice made with good intentions will always be the choice of a virtuous person. Having the courage to make these hard decisions is only the beginning, respecting others, having compassion, and showing tenacity in the face of adversity will lead to an actual life of