Virtue Ethics Virtue ethics—A moral theory that focuses on the development of virtuous character. Virtues—Engrained dispositions to act by standards of excellence. In virtue ethics, character is the key to the moral life, for it is from a virtuous character that moral conduct and values naturally arise.

Aristotle: The Father of Virtue Ethics The highest goal of humanity is the good life or “human flourishing” (eudaimonia, happiness). Developing virtues is the way to achieve a rich and satisfying life. Virtues make us good persons—and help us live a good life.

Virtue Ethics The Virtues—Alasdair MacIntyre Virtues arise from, and are defined by, a coherent social practice. Virtues are relative to traditions.

Virtue Ethics Virtue Ethics—Aristotle We always desire happiness for its own sake. The function of man is activity of the soul in accordance with reason. Moral virtues can best be acquired through practice and habit. Virtue is a mean lying between two vices.

Virtue Ethics Virtue and the Moral Life—Bernard Mayo We learn the most about ethics by looking at the lives of saints and heroes. Saints and heroes primarily give us examples to follow. Kant would reject the insights of virtue ethics.

Virtue Ethics Saints and Heroes—J. O. Urmson Philosophers have too often ignored supererogatory actions. The ideal moral code should distinguish between basic rules and the “higher flights of morality” exemplified by saintliness and heroism.

Virtue Ethics The Great Stone Face—Nathaniel Hawthorne To develop into good people, we need not have great people, but simply great ideas and ideals.

Virtue Ethics A Critique of Virtue-Based Ethical Systems—William Frankena All the virtues can be derived from principles. Traits without principles are blind. An action is to be judged right or wrong by reference to a principle or set of principles.