Virtue Ethics: Living A Good And Good Life
Like we have learned, utilitarianism is a theory based on the principle that "actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness” (229). Mill also defines happiness as pleasure and the absence of pain (229). Every decision we make should be made in consideration of which choice will enhance the total amount of happiness. Living a virtuous life requires us to do what is right, and feel good about those decisions that we have made. If we feel good about our decisions we increase our happiness and, often those affected by our actions will feel good too. It is important to learn from our mistakes, because in return, we will grow as people, and will likely not continue to make those same mistakes. A life full of doing bad things, will only leave us with a life full of regrets at the end, but living virtuously will prevent us from living a life of regrets and in return will ensure a good …show more content…
Not only does it vary from person to person, it can have a change in meaning for a sole individual. From day one of the course till now, my definition and concept of the good life has definitely changed. I first defined the good life as “being successful and being happy in what you achieve,” failing to explain the definition of what success really is. We know the dictionary definition of success to be accomplishing an aim or purpose, however there are so many aspects of our life that we could call success. The good life entailing virtue and meaning can lead to anybody’s definition of success. Whether it be success in having material things or important social status, in making a decent living or even just setting a daily goal and achieving it, virtue and meaning are the pillars behind it