Virtue Ethics: A Philosophical Approach to Being a Good Person

Philosophy is a discipline that seeks to understand and evaluate fundamental questions about life, existence, and humanity. One of the areas of philosophy that has been debated and studied extensively is ethics - the branch of philosophy that deals with morality and how individuals should live their lives.

Within ethics, there are several theories and approaches that have emerged over the centuries. One of these is Virtue Ethics, which focuses on the character of the individual and their moral virtues rather than on rules or consequences of actions.

Origins of Virtue Ethics

Virtue Ethics traces its roots back to ancient Greek philosophy, particularly to the works of Plato and Aristotle. In their respective works, “Republic” and “Nicomachean Ethics”, both philosophers placed a strong emphasis on developing moral virtues as a means of achieving a good and fulfilling life.

However, it was Aristotle who first developed Virtue Ethics into a comprehensive framework. According to Aristotle, virtues are habits or dispositions that enable individuals to act in accordance with reason and to find a balance between extreme behaviors. He believed that the ultimate goal of human life is to achieve eudaimonia, which translates to “human flourishing” or “happiness”. And this can only be attained through the cultivation of moral virtues.

Principles of Virtue Ethics

At its core, Virtue Ethics focuses on the moral character of the individual. Its main principles revolve around the cultivation of virtues, the importance of practical wisdom, and the pursuit of eudaimonia.

Firstly, Virtue Ethics views virtues as personal traits that are developed through habituation and practice. These virtues, such as honesty, courage, and kindness, are moral dispositions that allow individuals to act in a way that is beneficial to themselves and others.

Secondly, Virtue Ethics places great importance on practical wisdom or phronesis. This is the ability to determine moral choices and act in the right way in different situations. Unlike other ethical theories that rely on rules or principles, Virtue Ethics emphasizes the importance of context and individual judgment in decision-making.

Lastly, Virtue Ethics sees eudaimonia as the ultimate goal of human existence. Unlike hedonistic or utilitarian notions of happiness, eudaimonia is not a temporary or fleeting feeling but a lasting state of well-being that comes from living a virtuous life.

Application of Virtue Ethics

In today’s world, Virtue Ethics can be applied to various aspects of life, including personal and professional relationships, business ethics, and social and political issues. It teaches individuals to strive for excellence in their character and actions, and to consider the impact of their decisions on themselves and others.

For example, in business ethics, Virtue Ethics would encourage employers to cultivate the virtues of fairness and compassion in their leadership, rather than just focusing on maximizing profits. In social and political issues, it would urge individuals to consider the moral virtues of justice and empathy in their decision-making, rather than just following the law or societal norms.

Conclusion

In summary, Virtue Ethics is a philosophy that emphasizes the moral character of the individual and the cultivation of virtues for the achievement of eudaimonia. It provides a framework for individuals to live a good and fulfilling life, and to make morally sound decisions in various aspects of life. As Aristotle famously said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act, but a habit.” Virtue Ethics encourages individuals to cultivate moral virtues as habitual behaviors, ultimately leading to a happier and more fulfilling life.