Define virtue ethics. Define virtue. Explain the difference between vice and virtue, including what the person thinks, desires/feels, and does. Explain the difference between continence and incontinence, including what the person thinks, desires/feels, and does. What four parts does virtue involve? Explain. What is the difference between a good and the good? Explain. What two reasons are given that explain why living virtuously is good for us?

QUESTION

Type your answers to the questions using complete sentences and adequate information. Do not copy phrases from the book. Use your own words and briefly explain your responses.

1. Define virtue ethics.
2. Define virtue.
3. Explain the difference between vice and virtue, including what the person thinks, desires/feels, and does.
4. Explain the difference between continence and incontinence, including what the person thinks, desires/feels, and does.
5. What four parts does virtue involve? Explain.
6. What is the difference between a good and the good? Explain.
7. What two reasons are given that explain why living virtuously is good for us?
8. According to Aristotle, what parts does a soul have? Explain.
9. According to Aristotle, in what 2 ways does virtue happen? Explain.
10. According to Confucius, what is “the good life”? What are humans supposed to do?
11. What does the Chinese character ren仁 signify? Explain the parts of the Chinese word.
12. Can virtues be taught? Explain. How did Aristotle and Confucius handle the issue of ethics being taught?
13. Why did Confucius think that family was important to developing virtue?
14. How is practice important in becoming a virtuous person?
15. Explain the four criticisms of virtue ethics.

ANSWER

Criticisms of Virtue Ethics: Examining Key Concerns

Introduction

Virtue ethics is a moral theory that focuses on the development of virtuous character traits as the foundation for ethical behavior. It emphasizes the cultivation of virtues, such as courage, honesty, and kindness, in order to lead a morally good life. While virtue ethics offers valuable insights into ethical decision-making, it also faces several criticisms. In this essay, we will explore four key criticisms of virtue ethics and examine their implications.

Relativism and Cultural Variability

One criticism leveled against virtue ethics is its potential vulnerability to relativism and cultural variability. Critics argue that virtue ethics lacks a universal moral framework, as virtues can vary across different cultures and societies. This variability raises concerns about the objectivity and stability of moral principles (Saylor Academy, n.d.). For instance, virtues like filial piety may hold significant importance in Confucianism, while they may not be as emphasized in other ethical systems. Consequently, virtue ethics faces the challenge of providing a consistent and universally applicable moral standard.

 Lack of Guidance for Moral Dilemmas

Another criticism of virtue ethics is its perceived inadequacy in providing clear guidance when faced with moral dilemmas. Unlike deontological ethics, which relies on rules and duties, or consequentialist ethics, which focuses on outcomes, virtue ethics primarily centers on the development of virtuous character traits (Virtue Ethics (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy), 2022). However, when confronted with complex moral situations where virtues may conflict, virtue ethics may struggle to offer straightforward guidance on the right course of action. Critics argue that this lack of prescriptive guidance undermines the practical applicability of virtue ethics.

Overemphasis on Character and Neglect of Actions

Critics contend that virtue ethics places an excessive emphasis on the development of virtuous character traits while neglecting the evaluation of actions themselves. While virtues shape an individual’s character, critics argue that ethical evaluations should also consider the consequences and intentions of specific actions. Focusing solely on character may result in moral judgments divorced from the actual impact of one’s conduct. Thus, virtue ethics could be seen as lacking a comprehensive framework for evaluating the morality of specific actions.

Limited Scope of Moral Consideration

Some critics argue that virtue ethics suffers from a limited scope of moral consideration. Virtue ethics places significant importance on individual character development and personal flourishing. However, it may not adequately address broader societal and global ethical issues (Virtue Ethics | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, n.d.). Critics claim that virtue ethics does not provide sufficient guidance for complex ethical challenges such as social justice, environmental ethics, or the ethical responsibilities of corporations. Consequently, virtue ethics might be seen as lacking the necessary tools to address these pressing moral concerns.

Conclusion

Virtue ethics offers a unique perspective on ethical decision-making by emphasizing the development of virtuous character traits. While it provides valuable insights into personal morality, virtue ethics faces several criticisms. Concerns regarding relativism, the lack of guidance for moral dilemmas, the overemphasis on character, and the limited scope of moral consideration challenge the comprehensive applicability and practicality of virtue ethics. Recognizing these criticisms and engaging in thoughtful discourse is essential for a nuanced understanding of ethical theories and for ongoing development in the field of moral philosophy.

References

Saylor Academy. (n.d.). Virtue Ethics: Criticisms | Saylor Academy. https://learn.saylor.org/mod/book/view.php?id=30521&chapterid=6467

Virtue Ethics (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). (2022, October 11). https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/ethics-virtue/

Virtue Ethics | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. (n.d.). https://iep.utm.edu/virtue/