the Aristotle (384-382 BC) this key with Name approach associated philosophers We can find out what good behaviour is by finding the mean between vices of we excess and deficiency. We can discover virtues (good character traits). (eg The this do good is? virtue of courage lies at the mean, the half way point, between the excessive to extreme of rashness, and the deficient extreme of cowardice.) By developing virtues how what and using 'prudence', rational, practical intelligence people can train themselves to find out what good behaviour is and aim for it (though being 'incontinent' they may out behaviour not always hit the target.) According find approach good? is The characteristics of good behaviour can be seen in the behaviour of good people. good What Good behaviour is deliberate voluntary action guided by virtues and rational, approach of the practical intelligence. Virtuous behaviour is always at the mean between vices of this are excess and deficiency. Virtues and practical intelligence produces behaviour that to considers personal and community welfare and develops individual happiness and behaviour? what the good society. (Even though humans are 'incontinent' and will fall short of virtue.) characteristics According Many seem realistic and humanitarian. As Alasdair MacIntyre argues, it is very this to important to think about the meaning of a good life and being a good person; this is the of what virtue theory does. It seems practical and down to earth. It's rational but are recognises human weaknesses. Virtue theory doesn't lay down laws of behaviour ethics? Strengths but it provides clear guidelines. What approach strengths It isn't entirely practical, lots of people aren't as rational or as prudent as Aristotle! People don't really agree about what virtues are, or that they are at the mean. this Robert Louden has highlighted weaknesses. It's impossible to know when of the ethics? someone's internal character is truly good; so ethics should focus should be on are to actions and consequences not character. Supposedly 'good' people can do bad things. 'Incontinence' could excuse some very bad behaviour. There are no clear Weaknesses What rules in virtue theory; hence the rise of more normative ethical theories. Some of Aristotle's ideas seem elitist, xenophobic and sexist to a modern person. weaknesses approach Natural Law
Name the key philosophers associated with this approach Aristotle (384-382 BC) What is good? According to this approach how do we find out what good behaviour is? We can find out what good behaviour is by finding the mean between vices of excess and deficiency. We can discover virtues (good character traits). (eg The virtue of courage lies at the mean, the half way point, between the excessive extreme of rashness, and the deficient extreme of cowardice.) By developing virtues and using 'prudence', rational, practical intelligence people can train themselves to find out what good behaviour is and aim for it (though being 'incontinent' they may not always hit the target.) According to this approach what are the characteristics of good behaviour? The characteristics of good behaviour can be seen in the behaviour of good people. Good behaviour is deliberate voluntary action guided by virtues and rational, practical intelligence. Virtuous behaviour is always at the mean between vices of excess and deficiency. Virtues and practical intelligence produces behaviour that considers personal and community welfare and develops individual happiness and the good society. (Even though humans are 'incontinent' and will fall short of virtue.) Strengths What are the strengths of this approach to ethics? Many seem realistic and humanitarian. As Alasdair MacIntyre argues, it is very important to think about the meaning of a good life and being a good person; this is what virtue theory does. It seems practical and down to earth. It's rational but recognises human weaknesses. Virtue theory doesn't lay down laws of behaviour but it provides clear guidelines. Weaknesses What are the weaknesses of this approach to ethics? It isn't entirely practical, lots of people aren't as rational or as prudent as Aristotle! People don't really agree about what virtues are, or that they are at the mean. Robert Louden has highlighted weaknesses. It's impossible to know when someone's internal character is truly good; so ethics should focus should be on actions and consequences not character. Supposedly 'good' people can do bad things. 'Incontinence' could excuse some very bad behaviour. There are no clear rules in virtue theory; hence the rise of more normative ethical theories. Some of Aristotle's ideas seem elitist, xenophobic and sexist to a modern person. Natural Law
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