Virtue ethics is a group of theories in moral philosophy that has its roots in ancient greek philosophy with Aristotle being largely influential. ... A key theme in virtue ethics is the recognition of moral complexity. ... Another key theme in virtue ethics is moral understanding. ... The last key theme in virtue ethics is moral education. ... This outlines the theme of moral complexity in virtue ethics. ...

• Word Count: 1642
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Utilitarianism and Kant's philosophy of principle, duty-based ethics and virtue ethics represent three different interpretations and theories however virtue ethics offers more as a basis for living a good ethical life. ... Providing us with another alternative for ethical reasoning is Aristotle's formulation of 'virtue ethics'. ... There are many advantages of virtue ethics that make it stand out implies it has more to offer than that of utilitarianism and principle- based ethics. ... Utilitarianism, Kant's principle duty-based ethics and virtue ethics all provide dif...

• Word Count: 1059
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

In the 17th and 18th century, virtue ethics was criticized on the basis that it was simply too obscure and impractical when getting down to applying itself to the absolutes of right or wrong in the way that theories such as Utilitarianism and Kantian ethics did. Despite this, virtue ethics experienced somewhat of a revival. ... Elizabeth Anscombe published a paper in the 1950's named 'Modern Moral Philosophy', which questioned morality on the basis of: How can we be ethical if there is no ultimate standard or lawgiver (God)? ... Michael Slote believes that Virtue ethics is base...

• Word Count: 879
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

While Classical Philosophy tangles with many questions, one could surmise from the readings that the universal goal of most (classical) philosophers was to answer the question "what is the best life?" ... For this to occur, philosophy must rule the city, ideally under a philosopher king. ... Aristotle states that there are "three most favored lives" " (Nicomachean Ethics 256). ... First, let us look at the virtues of thought such as wisdom, comprehension, and prudence (Nicomachean Ethics 265). ... It is a mean between two vices, one of excess and one of deficiency" (Nicomachean Ethics 269). ...

• Word Count: 2653
• Approx Pages: 11
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

All the writers view the importance of "Virtue Ethics" as an opportunity to learn Self-Understanding and Critical Awareness from where real freedom is attained. ... This statement clearly shows that he is a person who strongly opposes the Philosophy of Altruism. ... To present a credible self-image, Rand appeal to the readers' ethics and moral character by implicitly asking in the article, "What is really the highest moral virtue of a man?... One of the important philosophies of Objectivism which Ayn Rand discusses in the film relates to a man's rights. ... Rand's...

• Word Count: 2371
• Approx Pages: 9
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Confucianism has serves as primary role as a social and moral philosophy. ... One similarity between both theories is that they are both considered philosophies. ... Confucianism, and Utilitanaism both deal with ethics, and virtues. ... Both philosophies feel education is good, thus they both believe that cultivation or gaining education is good. ... Besides being a philosophy in my opinion Confucianism is an ethical way of life. ...

• Word Count: 812
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

This however is true to all philosophical thought and is part of the very definition of philosophy itself. ... The choice is made easier by constant adherence to instructed ethics but the temptation towards choosing the comparatively "less good" action is very powerful at a young age and also if not instructed properly. ...

• Word Count: 1572
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Aristotle and Niccolo Machiavelli agree that human nature predisposes men to serve their own interests, and that we need government to control our innate desires, and yet the two disagree on the origin of government and its purpose. Aristotle argues that man is political by nature due to speech. Through speech, men develop a common moral determination for what is just and unjust, and naturally form political societies in the acquisition of virtue. Although Aristotle's government operates in the pursuit of human excellence, it is based on an optimistic notion, that men will choose and cont...

• Word Count: 1841
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate