Ethics (and Morals) Virtue & Character

Ethics and Morals are different Morals are value judgments, beliefs, principles, and rules for ordinary life. Latin root: mores= norms. Morals are specific. Ethics steps back and considers the reasons and foundations for one’s beliefs or, let’s say, a country’s moral laws. Greek root: ethos=character. Ethics involves reasoning about morals. Ethics is the study of morals, not the other way around.

Examples of morals Cary Nation and the Temperance Movement Moses and his _____________ Code of Hammurabi 195: If a son strike his father, his hands shall be [cut] off. (4) 196: If a [noble-]man put out the eye of another [noble-]man, his eye shall be put out. (5) 197: If he break another [noble-]man's bone, his bone shall be broken. 198: If he put out the eye or break the bone of a commoner, he shall pay one [silver] mina.

Ethical Theories Consequence Based Utilitarianism Religion Based Divine Command Theory Duty Based Deontology Agent Centered Virtue Ethics Ethical foundations for moral behavior

What is Virtue Ethics? De-emphasizes – intentions – consequences – rules Emphasizes the person who is acting Inquires whether the person is expressing good character

The question is… Not: What should I do? But rather: What sort of person should I be? How do I build good character?

What is character? The Sum of All Our Traits (virtues & vices) Virtues are Character traits which… Enable us to act well habitually Require the right kind of inner attitude & motivation Cannot be detected from the outside Moral Character is the first essential in a man. ~George Washington

How do we acquire virtue? Practical wisdom – Comes from observing human affairs carefully – Comes from remembering how our actions & the actions of others have played out The more we develop a virtuous character & acquire practical wisdom – The greater chance we will act well in life Good actions from from good character Good character is essential to human happiness

Aristotle and Virtue Theory The Golden Mean The ratio of the following distances is the Golden Ratio: (foot to navel) : (navel to head)

Aristotle’s Virtue Ethics Seeks to develop individual character Assumes good persons will make good decisions Be a ‘good’ person

Aristotle &Happiness Happiness = eudaimonia Happiness is not a result or end Happiness is not something we look forward to after toil and suffering Happiness is a way of life, made possible by virtuous living Happiness is an activity of the soul in accord with perfect virtue.

Virtue &Habit For Aristotle, virtue is something that is practiced and thereby learned—it is habit (hexis). This has clear implications for moral education, for Aristotle obviously thinks that you can teach people to be virtuous. Role models become very important

Virtue As the Golden Mean Aristotle says virtue involves finding the proper balance between two extremes. – Excess: having too much of something. – Deficiency: having too little of something. Not mediocrity, but harmony and balance. The Mean varies from person to person There are many ways of behaving & thus many ways to be happy

A Virtuous Life Means Balance Take one of the cardinal virtues away, then one happens? At school? Competence Teamwork Social justice Mellowness of heart

Examples Emotion: fear Vice-deficiency = rashness Vice-excess=cowardice Virtue-mean=courage Action: giving money Vice-deficiency=stinginess Vice-excess=prodigality Virtue-mean=generosity

The Greek’s 4 Cardinal Virtues Courage and Temperance 2 that regulate emotion: Justice: giving each their fair due Prudence: knowledge of one ’ s good or purpose (telos) knowledge of precise ethics