WORKBOOK Virtue Ethics
July 8, 2015
WORKBOOK OF ETHICS: VIRTUE ETHICS
Define the following:
Virtue (arête)
Character (ethos)
Practical wisdom (phronesis)
Happiness (eudaimonia)
The virtues:
Key question: “What traits of character make me a good person?”
Identify four key virtues in Aristotelean ethics.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Identify four key virtues in Jesus’ life.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Alpha point: what have been the effects of exalting such virtues as
obedience in Christian ethics? (See extracts from Anscombe and
Rachels)
Why might Aristotelean ethics be called teleological?
The exercise of virtues are relative to function(ergon).
The function of man is to………………………………………………
The function of a good plumber is to…………………………………..
The function of a good teacher is to…………………………………..
How does Virtue Ethics differ from other teleological theories (eg Situation Ethics and Utilitarianism)?
1.
2.
3.
Courage is desirable because…………………………………………..
Generosity is desirable because………………………………………..
Honesty is desirable because……………………………………………
Loyalty is desirable because……………………………………………..
Key Quote: “Despite their differences, the virtues all have the same
General sort of value: they are all qualities needed for successful
human living”. (Rachels p170)
Draw a diagram illustrating Aristotle’s concept of the soul:
Key quote: “The good of man is an activity of the soul in conformity with virtue”.
Aristotle: Niomachean Ethics
What is the doctrine of the mean?
Draw a table below illustrating the doctrine of the mean, using four different virtues.
Write a short review of a film you have seen in which a virtue is illustrated.
What are three strengths and three weaknesses of virtue ethics?
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
What does Rachels mean by arguing “for this reason, it seems best to regard a theory of virtue as part of an overall theory of ethics rather than as a complete theory in itself”. (Rachels p179)
For discussion:
- 1. Was Jesus a virtue ethicist?
- 2. Are virtues absolute or relative?
- 3. Are virtues too general to guide moral conduct?
Further reading
Alasdair MacIntyre After Virtue Ch 12
James Rachels An introduction to Moral Philosophy Ch 10
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