Transcript Virtue theory

Virtue theory
Learning plan #5
Don, Debby, Ashley
3-27-08
Virtue



A virtue is a trait that
contributes to a person
functioning well as a
human being
A virtue is not just a
feeling
 A person who “feels”
brave but does not
act on it is not brave
A virtue is not just
doing a given action on
a given occasion
Summary


The virtue theory focuses on
attitudes, dispositions, or character
traits that enable us to be and to
act in ways that develop our human
potential
Examples: honesty, courage,
faithfulness, trustworthiness,
integrity
Summary

our actions make
us who we are
Contributions

Aristotle


everything
functions for a
distinct purpose
“For all things that
have a function or
activity, the good
and the well is
thought to reside in
the function”
Contributions cont..

Human function


Rational self-regulation
Humans are rational animals with
reason
The Golden Mean

Finding the middle between extremes
of emotion or action

cowardice
Example-courage is the middle of
cowardice and foolhardiness
courage
foolhardiness
Contributions cont..

St. Thomas
Aquinas



Human function
determines virtue’s
greatness
Reason brings us
closer to god
 Ultimate purpose
Added theological
virtues
 Faith, hope and
charity
Differences


St. Thomas
Aquinas has a
religious
philosophy
function= serve
god


Aristotle more
interested in the
science
function=self
regulation
Criticisms of the theory

Neglects what people should be

Determines how we should act

Moral luck

Self-centeredness
Criticisms

Virtue ethics is criticized for not
giving clear answers to ethical
dilemmas, but it allows us each to
make our own responses to
situations life throws at us
Ethical dilemma

The use of steroids
in sports


Fair play
Used among teens
today
Ethical dilemma

Assisted suicide

Virtues involved
 sufferer:
courage, humility
 Families: caring,
responsiveness,
hospitality
 Doctors must
care for life
(Hippocratic
oath)
Deaths under Oregon's Physician
Assisted Suicide Act


1998 16 6/10,000 total deaths
2002 38 13/10,000 total deaths
Questions



Do you think humans have a
different function than self
regulation?
What do you think is the down side
of this theory?
Do you think people have the ability
to change their virtues if born
“morally unlucky”?