Virtue ethics- This theory stems from the works of Plato and Aristotle. According to virtue ethics, morality is rooted in the character of an individual rather than from the actions that one performs and the resulting consequences. Virtue ethics begs the question, “what kind of person does one want to be known as?” The answers are almost always different because we are all unique individuals with different wants and priorities. Therefore, the more pertinent question to ask in this context is,…
In this paper, I will first explain the key features of Aristotelian virtues. Then I will give an Aristotelian analysis of enthusiasm and trust as two personal virtues in our time and place. According to Aristotle, virtue, or, specifically a virtue of character, is a state, a disposition of a person to have appropriate feelings and actions “in relation to the right person, in the right amount, at the right time, with the right aim in view, and in the right way.” It is the disposition to hit 1) a…
Responsibility is a virtue many try to embody and balance, but I believe it is best exemplified by my aunt, Kathy. Kathy was the oldest of nine children and when she was 21 her mother died of cancer. Her mother’s death was hard on her, but since her father had to work to support the family financially, Kathy had to take on the responsibility of essentially being a mother to nine children. Kathy had to be extremely responsible and balance college and caring for her younger siblings; making them…
The question “Can virtue be taught?” is a question that has puzzled philosophers for ages. It is a hard question to answer since we do not know what the true definition of virtue is. Socrates attempts to define virtue as knowledge, and if one is knowledgeable they will do the right thing without much effort (Plato, Meno). After time the meaning of virtue has changed. Today one could define virtue as being morally good. In my paper, I will argue that virtue can be taught to those who are willing…
Teachibililty and Unteachability of Virtue “Virtue, according to the Stoicism Model of Philosophy, is a single thing, and the individual virtues are its parts.” In Plato’s dialogue Protagoras, Protagoras both begins and ends on the subject of the teachability and unteachability of virtue. Socrates questions Protagoras, the sophist, on the teachability of virtue. The latter in the argument argues that virtue can in fact be passed on, as well as the former arguing the opposition. Initially, it…
Assignment Application Virtue Ethics and Ethical Egoism Wk2RobinsonK 03/12/2017 Using the Ethical Analysis Tool, this paper will review the moral justification in using the ring of Gyges for my own benefit from a virtue ethicist’s position. It will also explain if a virtual ethicist and an ethical egoist take the same situation. Virtue ethics is defined as the virtue of a person in doing one’s duty or acting in a way to bring about good consequences. A virtuous person can be described…
There are two kinds of virtue: virtue of thought and virtue of character. These virtues are qualities of the mind and character, which enable us to behave in the correct way and as a mean between extremes of deficiency and excess. They are not necessarily actions, but they ensure that our actions will be of the correct kind. When our actions occur naturally from a virtuous and moral disposition, we are said to live in agreement with virtue. A person’s excellence is based off their…
justice is much different from that of Plato and Socrates, Aristotle’s predecessors. According to Aristotle, justice is not included in the list of virtues, yet, on the other hand, friendship is, and the logic behind this helps to further the idea that Aristotle wishes to convey. Justice, as viewed by Aristotle, is the whole or completeness of all eleven virtues. Friendship is not dependent on justice, yet is a necessary commodity when it comes to appearing as a just person. Aristotle has his…
Benjamin Franklin’s Virtues: How They Effected Him and Society (The Cause and Effect of Benjamin Franklin’s Virtues) Benjamin Franklin is one of the most extraordinary and well-respected people in American history. His part in early American history is very evident. He worked diligently to become successful. He created a list of virtues for himself to follow to lead him to success and maintain his respect from success, and these virtues were used by Franklin in everything he did to succeed. In…
Aristotle compares virtue to craft. People become virtuous in the same way they become craftsmen—through practice. Virtue originates from virtuous acts but is destroyed by doing unvirtuous acts. Thus, children have to first participate in virtuous acts to be virtuous people as they would have to start playing lyre before they become good or bad musicians. Aristotle says that the act of playing the lyre—or conducting virtuous actions—are analogous. As an inexperienced man is not considered a…