Virtue Ethics

Summary

This lecture introduces virtue ethics, emphasizing moral character development over adherence to rules or consequences. It traces the concept back to Aristotle, who believed that human actions are purposeful and aim for happiness, which is the ultimate good. Virtues are seen as habits that lead to human excellence and happiness, often represented as a 'golden mean' between vices of excess and deficiency. The lecture also touches on how our actions shape our character and how friendship plays a crucial role in moral formation.

Takeaways

• 📚 This semester focuses on three classical approaches to ethics: virtue ethics, principled ethics, and consequential ethics.
• 🌟 Virtue ethics is the starting point as it emphasizes moral formation and character building, which are foundational to understanding rules and consequences.
• 🧘‍♂️ Virtue ethics is about being a certain kind of person and embodying virtues, aiming for a moral vision of the world and the good life.
• 🏛️ Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics is a foundational work on virtue and character, with the concept of teleology central to understanding human action as purposeful.
• 🎯 Aristotle posits that every human action aims at some good or goal, with happiness being the final, self-sufficient good that we seek.
• 🛠️ The function of something determines its goodness; a good human being does what a human being is supposed to do, which is to live according to reason and exhibit excellence.
• 🌱 Virtues are acquired dispositions or habits that lead to actions, developed through practice until they become second nature.
• 🤔 Virtue ethics considers virtues as the golden mean between two extremes, avoiding both excess and defect in behavior.
• 👥 Friendship plays a crucial role in good character formation, as Aristotle suggests that our relationships shape who we are.
• 🧠 Moral formation is integral to every action and part of life, with our character influencing our decisions and actions long before we encounter moral dilemmas.

Q & A

What are the three classical approaches to ethics discussed in the transcript?

The three classical approaches to ethics discussed are virtue ethics, principled ethics, and consequential ethics.

Why is virtue ethics considered an important starting point for ethical discussions?

Virtue ethics is considered an important starting point because it focuses on moral formation and building character, which are foundational to understanding rules and consequences in ethics.

What does virtue ethics emphasize in terms of moral development?

Virtue ethics emphasizes moral formation, the importance of forming a good moral character, embodying certain virtues, and having a vision of the good life.

Who are the key historical figures associated with the development of virtue ethics?

The key historical figures associated with the development of virtue ethics are Plato and his student Aristotle.

What is the significance of teleology in Aristotle's ethical philosophy?

In Aristotle's ethical philosophy, teleology signifies that every human action is intentional and purposeful, aiming at some good or goal, which is essential for understanding human happiness and flourishing.

How does Aristotle define the concept of 'good' in relation to function?

Aristotle defines 'good' as something's ability to perform its function well. For instance, a good computer functions as a computer should, and a good human being acts according to reason and exhibits excellence.

What does Thomas Aquinas add to Aristotle's virtue ethics from a Christian perspective?

Thomas Aquinas, a Christian thinker, agrees with Aristotle's ethics but adds that true human happiness is found in communion with God, which requires grace beyond our natural state and abilities.

What is the relationship between virtue and human excellence according to the transcript?

Virtue is tied to human excellence because it represents the state of character or disposition that enables a person to live well and achieve happiness, which is the ultimate goal of human function.

How does the concept of the 'golden mean' relate to virtue as discussed in the transcript?

The 'golden mean' is the concept that virtue lies between two extremes, neither in excess nor in defect. It represents the moderate position that leads to living well and happiness.

Why is friendship considered essential for good character formation according to Aristotle?

Friendship is considered essential for good character formation because friends shape us and contribute to who we are, influencing our virtues and vices.

What role do actions play in shaping our character according to the transcript?

Actions play a significant role in shaping our character because they are expressions of our virtues and vices, which are developed through habits and practices, and they influence our future choices and moral decisions.