Ethic 3: Virtue Ethics

Definition: Moral theory that states people should aspire to follow the traits of good people (virtues) to make decisions

Eudaimonia: the state of purposeful happiness and welfare.

• Significance: According to Aristotle, it is what everybody should strive for in this world, and can be achieved by practicing virtue ethics.

Aristotle's difference between vices and virtues: Virtues are the average or balance between two vices. One can (and should) become a virtuous through practicing the mean between two opposing, extreme vices.

Example of a virtue: Generosity

• Vices:
  • Free-Spending: spending money in a wasteful manner
  • Stingy: keeping everything to oneself with no regard for others
• Generosity is the mean between these two qualities. One who is generous is ready to give more than that is necessary to someone without unwisely giving away everything to that person without reason.

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