Introduction to Philosophy

Achieve Test Prep: Philosophy

Chapter Nine: What are Right Actions? Constructing an Ethical Theory Learning Objectives After completing Chapter Nine, you should be able to: 1. Define virtue ethics 2. Discuss maxims theory regarding moral laws 3. Define utilitarianism 4. Describe empathy and the ethics of care 5. Discuss the different theorist views regarding ethics and how their theories have impacted the development of philosophy Character: Virtue Ethics Moral theories are designed to help us refine our moral compasses so that we can make informed choices in moral situations. Each theory embodies a distinctive approach to the complex realm of moral experience. Aristotle set the tone for the virtual ethics approach with his exploration of the moral dimension of experience. Virtue ethics is the ethical theory that focuses on the moral quality of individuals rather than their actions. Virtue ethics is the cultivation of a virtuous character that is the goal of ethics: to become a virtuous (moral and good) person. The assumption is that genuinely virtuous people will act in morally principled ways as a natural expression to their moral goodness and these moral actions will in turn strengthen their virtuous nature. Aristotle’s major work in this particular area includes The Nicomachean Ethics which is named after his son. The concept of the character as a virtuous character is derived from the Greek word “character” and the term means “to make sharp or to engrave”, which, is in a sense, how we form our characters—by gradually etching their outlines and dimensions through the moral choices that we make every day in our lives. Your moral character, traits, and disposition develop by the way you habitually respond when confronted with moral choices. Your character typically displays consistency and coherence because it was created gradually, inscribed over your total life and you can make changes or refine your character, but it is likely to take time as you alter your personal self-portrait by making different choices. Aristotle looked to explain what are the ultimate aims that people strive for in life and he found that most would believe their goal is to be happy and live well. What he found was that many people had different notions of what being happy and living well actually mean. For Aristotle, as well as Socrates, devoting your life to acquiring such things as wealth, fame, or public success is as limited a life as seeking pleasure. These goals do not reflect the talents and values that define human soul and they are superficial and transient and will never be able to bring deep and lasting fulfillment. Aristotle points out that we desire wealth, fame, and success because we hope they will bring happiness but Aristotle believed that happiness is actively expressing your soul’s powers. This means achieving happiness by living your life in accordance with reason and virtue. This constitutes a good life for you and every other human being.

Page 92 of 125

©2017

www.achievetestprep.com