AS Religious Ethics Virtue Ethics Foundation Paper Revision Part 2

Criticisms of Virtue Ethics Virtue ethics seeks the happiness of the individual: the benefits for society appear to be incidental.

Criticisms of Virtue Ethics I work for the benefit of society. I do this simply so that I am less likely to have my car stolen by some teenage yob!

Criticisms of Virtue Ethics There appears to be no room for selfless activity (altruism). Any selfless act appears to be ultimately down to self- interest.

Criticisms of Virtue Ethics Even the apparently selfless act of making a donation to charity is accompanied by that self-righteous glow of satisfaction

Criticisms of Virtue Ethics Many people believe that Aristotle was a racist, sexist bigot. They believe that his belief that only men could access the virtues discredits the whole theory.

Criticisms of Virtue Ethics Aristotles views on women, slaves and foreigners can be understood in the context of the times in which he lived. His idea on virtue ethics, when seen in this light, can still stand.

Modern versions of Virtue Ethics zALASDAIR MACINTYRE After Virtue After Virtue

Modern versions of Virtue Ethics MacIntyre argued for practical ethics, rooted in the real world. He claimed that human communities should be at the centre of ethical life.

Modern versions of Virtue Ethics Societys ideas of appropriate behaviour allow good to be realised.

Modern versions of Virtue Ethics Personal virtuous behaviour within societys structures allows everyone to benefit – the community is the context for this moral life.

Modern versions of Virtue Ethics BUT

Can a virtuous person behave badly? Can a virtuous person behave badly? Can virtuous intentions lead to vicious behaviour? Can virtuous intentions lead to vicious behaviour? Are the virtues culturally defined (i.e. subjective) or are they universal (i.e. absolute)? Are the virtues culturally defined (i.e. subjective) or are they universal (i.e. absolute)?

Modern versions of Virtue Ethics zPHILLIPA FOOT

Modern versions of Virtue Ethics Foot uses the concept of value: Foot uses the concept of value: a wise person places appropriate value in certain goals

Modern versions of Virtue Ethics Some goals are good in themselves, while others are good for the sake of something else. Some goals are good in themselves, while others are good for the sake of something else.

Modern versions of Virtue Ethics A friendship based on the premise Whats in this for me? will be shallow, while the friendship based on trust, loyalty and companionship will be fruitful.

Modern versions of Virtue Ethics Foot also notes that people can learn virtuous behaviour through experience

Modern versions of Virtue Ethics She distinguishes between degrees of virtuousness is a person resisting terrible temptation being more virtuous than a person who is never tempted, and who never considers doing anything wrong?

Modern versions of Virtue Ethics ELIZABETH ANSCOMBE

Modern versions of Virtue Ethics Anscombe notes the way that actions have become important in judging a persons moral character.

Modern versions of Virtue Ethics This leads to a preoccupation with rules, and attempts to read the future to work out possible consequences.

Here endeth the revision on virtue ethics. Now just pass the exam!