 The identity or character of a person  Attitudes that produce highest human potential  Concentrate on the state of mind which develops our character, strive to be better for my own sake

HonestyCourageFaithfulness TrustworthinessIntegrityFairness Self ControlGenerosity Faithful to obligation (fidelity)

 Certain ideals we should strive for › To provide full development of humanity  Ideals are discovered through › Thoughtful reflection of what kind of people we have the potential to become  Attitudes that produce highest human potential  Strive to be a good person (not w/rules)

In short, the Virtue Approach focuses on attitudes, dispositions, or character traits that enable us to be and to act in ways that develop our human potential

› January 12, 1929 – Current › Glasgow, Scotland

› “We can begin to work on the kinds of small communities that are capable of preserving the practices and virtues even in the face of liberal capitalism.”  Whose Justice? Which Rationality? 99

 MacIntyre has argued that Aquinas' combination of theories are more insightful than modern moral theories by focusing upon the telos ('end', or completion) of a social practice and of a human life

 What benefits and what harms will each course of action produce, and which alternative will lead to the best overall consequences?  What moral rights do the affected parties have, and which course of action best respects those rights?  Which course of action treats everyone the same, except where there is a morally justifiable reason not to, and does not show favoritism or discrimination?  Which course of action advances the common good?  Which course of action develops moral virtues?

 Imagine that the natural sciences were to suffer the effects of a catastrophe…. › A series of environmental disasters [which] are blamed by the general public on the scientists

 Involves the right sort of emotions and inner states with respect to our feelings towards others.

 Self Centered › Morality is determined by our interaction with others  It’s Not Action-Guiding › Virtue ethics is based on an inexact system › Does not show efficient ways to behave  Different cultures and societies have such a huge variation on what virtue is › The way women are viewed

 Useless as a universal norm of acceptable conduct suitable as a base for legislationlegislation › Does not focus on wrong actions  Virtues should be decided by the community  Virtues differ based on time and place  Not possible to base judicial system on virtues versus rules

 What is another way in which the Virtue theory would cause clash between cultures? › Different cultures and societies have such a huge variation on what virtue is  The way women are viewed  The way baby girls are viewed  Can you list 3 of the virtue characteristics?