EthicsLesson 4 of 6 in the course Normative Moral Theory

Virtue Ethics in Confucianism and Aristotle: Character, Practice, and Flourishing

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

This lesson introduces virtue ethics as a character-centered approach to morality and explains its connection to a flourishing life.

Ethical theories can differ in what they treat as the main guide to right action. Utilitarians and Mohists emphasize consequences, while deontologists emphasize moral duties, rules, and norms. Virtue ethics instead focuses on the character and dispositions of the person acting.

All flashcards

What is virtue ethics?
A character-centered moral theory that understands right action as flowing from good character traits and dispositions.
What does self-cultivation involve?
Reflecting on oneself and repeatedly working to develop and improve one's character.
What does eudaimonia mean?
A flourishing life: a fulfilling life in which a person develops and exercises human capacities well.
How does virtue ethics differ from deontology?
Virtue ethics emphasizes character and the kind of person one becomes; deontology emphasizes duties, rules, and whether actions conform to them.
How can virtue support social well-being?
Virtuous people can act in ways that improve relationships and contribute to social harmony and order.

Quiz questions

  1. In Aristotle's ethics, what is the highest human good pursued for its own sake?Answer: Eudaimonia, or a flourishing life.
  2. How does Aristotle's moral mean relate to deficiency and excess?Answer: It is a context-sensitive balance between deficiency and excess.
  3. What does practical wisdom help a virtuous person do?Answer: Judge what action is appropriate in particular circumstances.
  4. According to Aristotle, how does intellectual virtue develop primarily?Answer: Through teaching, requiring time and experience.
  5. What grounds a perfect friendship in Aristotle's account?Answer: Each friend values the other's good character and wishes them well for their own sake.

Based on Introduction to Philosophy by Nathan Smith (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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