Virtue Ethics: Objections (& Responses)

Summary

In this concluding video of the virtue ethics series, the speaker addresses key objections to virtue ethics, including its inability to provide clear moral guidance, potential endorsement of cultural relativism, conflicts among virtues, justification of selected virtues, and concerns that it may reduce to egoism. The speaker argues that virtue ethics can draw on moral naturalism to navigate these issues, highlighting that virtues are shaped by character rather than mere self-interest. Ultimately, the video encourages viewers to consider the merits of virtue ethics while acknowledging its complexities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Virtue ethics aims to provide moral guidance but is often criticized for its inability to offer clear action-oriented advice.
• 🤔 A common objection is that virtue ethics lacks specific directives for complex moral decisions, such as abortion.
• 🌍 Critics argue that virtue ethics promotes cultural relativism by suggesting virtues are culturally defined, similar to other ethical theories.
• ⚖️ Virtue ethicists recognize that virtues can conflict, such as honesty versus sensitivity, and acknowledge the role of context in moral dilemmas.
• 📜 The justification of virtues and vices is questioned; however, combining virtue ethics with moral naturalism can address this concern.
• 🆚 The concern that virtue ethics equates to egoism is countered by emphasizing that motivations for virtuous actions stem from character, not self-interest.
• 💬 Consulting a virtuous person for moral advice is one suggested approach to navigating moral dilemmas within virtue ethics.
• 🌱 Virtue ethics focuses on character development and personal growth as foundational to ethical behavior.
• 🔍 The critique that virtue ethics lacks a universal standard for virtues is a challenge faced by many ethical frameworks.
• 🎓 The lecture concludes by reinforcing the complexity of virtue ethics and its value as a moral theory, encouraging personal exploration of its merits.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video?

The video focuses on objections to virtue ethics and discusses responses to these objections.

What is one major criticism of virtue ethics mentioned in the video?

One major criticism is that virtue ethics does not provide clear guidance for moral action, which is essential for a normative moral theory.

How does virtue ethics propose individuals determine morally permissible actions?

Virtue ethics suggests looking to virtuous individuals for advice, using their character as a guide for moral decisions.

What objection is raised concerning cultural relativism in virtue ethics?

The objection is that virtue ethics may lead to cultural relativism, where individuals only adhere to the virtues of their own culture, which could create moral inconsistencies.

How can the cultural relativism objection be addressed?

This objection can be addressed by asserting that moral naturalism suggests some virtues transcend cultural differences, allowing for a more universal understanding of virtue.

What example is given to illustrate the conflict between virtues?

The example given involves a situation where honesty may conflict with charity, such as when a spouse asks for an opinion about their haircut.

How does virtue ethics respond to the issue of conflicting virtues?

Virtue ethics acknowledges the possibility of conflicting virtues and allows for the understanding that sometimes situations create irreconcilable conflicts.

What is a challenge regarding the justification of virtues in virtue ethics?

A challenge is that virtue ethics struggles to justify why certain virtues are chosen over others and how they are determined.

How does the video connect virtue ethics to egoism?

Some critics argue that if flourishing determines virtues, virtue ethics could be interpreted as egoism, focusing on self-satisfaction rather than moral character.

What distinction is made regarding motivations for acting virtuously?

The distinction is that individuals act on virtues not solely to achieve happiness but because it is integral to their character and moral integrity.