Virtue Ethics | Ethics Defined

Summary

Virtue ethics, rooted in the philosophy of Aristotle and ancient Greeks, emphasizes the development of moral character through practice. By cultivating virtues like honesty, bravery, and justice, individuals are more likely to make the right ethical decisions. The philosophy is contrasted with utilitarianism and deontology, as illustrated in the film *The Dark Knight*. While utilitarians might advocate killing the Joker for the greater good, and deontologists reject it as inherently wrong, virtue ethicists focus on Batman’s character, asking if he wants to become someone who kills his enemies. Virtue ethics guides moral living without prescribing strict rules.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Virtue ethics is a philosophy developed by Aristotle and other ancient Greek thinkers.
• 🔍 It focuses on the quest to understand and live a life of moral character.
• 💪 This approach to morality emphasizes that virtues are acquired through practice.
• 🌟 By practicing virtues like honesty, bravery, justice, and generosity, a person develops an honorable character.
• 🛠 Aristotle believed that honing virtuous habits helps people make the right choices during ethical challenges.
• 🎥 Ethicists Mark White and Robert Arp illustrate different moral philosophies using the film 'The Dark Knight.'
• ⚖ Utilitarians would argue for killing the Joker to save many lives.
• 🚫 Deontologists would reject killing the Joker simply because killing is inherently wrong.
• 🧐 A virtue ethicist would focus on the character of the person who kills the Joker, questioning if Batman wants to be the kind of person who takes lives.
• 📜 Virtue ethics provides a guide for living a moral life without offering specific rules for solving ethical dilemmas.

Q & A

What is virtue ethics?

Virtue ethics is a philosophy developed by Aristotle and other ancient Greeks that focuses on developing moral character. It suggests that by practicing virtues like honesty, bravery, and justice, a person can cultivate an honorable and moral character.

How does virtue ethics differ from other moral philosophies?

Virtue ethics is character-based, emphasizing the development of moral character through practice. In contrast, utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of actions, while deontology focuses on rules and the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions.

How do people acquire virtue according to virtue ethics?

People acquire virtue through practice. By consistently practicing virtues such as honesty, bravery, and generosity, a person develops these qualities and becomes morally virtuous.

What role does habit play in virtue ethics?

Habit plays a central role in virtue ethics. By honing virtuous habits through repeated practice, people are more likely to make the right choices when faced with ethical challenges.

How does Aristotle view the relationship between virtue and ethical decision-making?

Aristotle believed that by cultivating virtuous habits, people would naturally make the right decisions when confronted with ethical dilemmas, as their character would guide them toward moral actions.

How is virtue ethics illustrated in the film 'The Dark Knight' according to Mark White and Robert Arp?

In 'The Dark Knight,' virtue ethics is illustrated by Batman's decision not to kill the Joker. Instead of focusing solely on the consequences or rules, a virtue ethicist would focus on the type of person Batman wants to be—someone who does not take lives, even his enemies'.

What would a utilitarian suggest regarding Batman's dilemma with the Joker?

A utilitarian would suggest that Batman should kill the Joker, as this action would save many lives by preventing the Joker from causing further harm.

How would a deontologist approach Batman's dilemma in 'The Dark Knight'?

A deontologist would argue that Batman should not kill the Joker because it is inherently wrong to kill, regardless of the potential consequences.

What is the central focus of virtue ethics when resolving ethical dilemmas?

The central focus of virtue ethics when resolving ethical dilemmas is the character of the person making the decision, rather than the consequences of the action or adherence to rules.

Does virtue ethics provide specific rules for resolving ethical dilemmas?

No, virtue ethics does not provide specific rules for resolving ethical dilemmas. Instead, it offers a guide for living a virtuous life by cultivating moral character, which helps individuals make ethical decisions in various situations.