In this Philosophy bites discussion Julia Annas discusses the meaning of virtue and asks – what is it for? There is a critical (reflective) side to discerning virtues – it is a self-help manual for how to live, and it has a point, eudaimonia, or how to create a flourishing life. Virtues work across cultures – where we can see virtues like courage applauded. Above all else it’s about living well. We are faced, self-reflectively with situations where we could have done better – we match our behaviour against an ideal (given for example by our education or our heroes). Virtues are critical, aspirational and demanding. It’s about working on ourselves – our emotions, our character, our goals, our place in society. It’s also holistic, as we need to integrate and sometimes change our feelings. (15 mins)

http://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/3/3/2/3320e0173c221659/Julia_Annas_on_What_is_Virtue_Ethics_For_.mp3?c_id=8077265&expiration=1426842863&hwt=8362f3f21c72b37e125c1330ee053b8c