Part 1: Virtue Theory
Virtue Theory is an ancient theory of ethics which comes largely from Aristotle. Aristotle started with the idea that all things are virtuous when they fulfill their proper function or design. A hammer is virtuous if it hits nails in well. Aristotle believed humans were designed to reason, and this meant exerting ruler-ship over the bodily appetites. The proper application of reason to bodily appetites over time produces the human moral virtue of excellence. This may sound rather complex, but in essence the idea is quite simple.
In order to know what is right or wrong in any given situation, simply ask someone who is very virtuous. A virtuous person will know what to do because he has developed the kind of character which is naturally capable of determining right from wrong. If you have a group of virtuous people, they will all pretty much agree about what is moral and immoral. This is a very aristocratic notion of ethics in the sense that the “best” people are the ones who get to decide. But, of course, part of the idea about being the “best” is that you can be trusted not to abuse the power given to you to set the moral compass of the society.
Who, then, is a virtuous person? Someone who has developed many or all of the important character virtues to a great depth. There are many such virtues, but generally people recognize honesty, kindness, generosity, charity, patience, respect, love, wisdom, responsibility, loyalty, courage, perseverance, integrity, and (in America) self-reliance. The Boy Scouts are one good example of an organization which tries to emphasize character virtues through its oaths and activities. The idea of the organization is that the habits of character are built slowly and steadily over time so that when moral dilemmas or temptations arise, the person will have a solid character foundation on which to base his decision. The primary instruction of Virtue Theory is to develop virtues in ourselves and when we are unsure what to do, ask someone much more virtuous than ourselves. Thus, we should practice being good by developing virtuous habits and then when a big moral choice comes along, we should ask a mentor what to do. Specific moral questions become less important than the idea of being a good person. “Is abortion immoral?” What do all the virtuous people think, and how will this act impact the person’s character?
Another key component of Aristotle’s Virtue Theory is that each virtue is a mean or midway point between two extremes, each of which is undesirable. Appropriateness is thus the real key to wisdom and proper application of virtue for Aristotle. Brazenness (speaking your mind no matter what the consequences) is just as foolish as lying, whereas honesty is knowing when to say what is true and how to say it effectively.
1-6. Answer the questions from above. 7. List between 6 and 12 virtues you think are the most important to make a good person and define them in one sentence or less.
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