1. The Virtue Theory of Ethics By Tony, Andy, and Kerry

2. Virtues  Attitudes  Character Traits  Developing Highest Potential

3. The Virtue Approach The Virtue Approach The principle states: "What is ethical is what develops moral virtues in ourselves and our communities."

4. Examples of Virtues  Honesty  Courage  Compassion  Generosity  Fairness  Self-Control  Integrity

5. Aristotle (384-322 BCE) Philosopher “ everything has a distinctive and essential function or activity”

6. Aristotle (384-322 BCE) Aristotle believed that humans were “rational Animals.”

7. Aristotle deeply influenced medieval Christian thinkers.

8. St. Thomas Aquinas (1224-1274) Aquinas borrowed Aristotle’s “logic of virtue”

9. St. Thomas Aquinas (1224-1274) Believed reason was not an end in itself but instead a means to better knowing ourselves and god.

10. Criticisms of Virtue Ethics Cultures are often morally incompatible. Cultures have different views on virtue.

11. Criticisms of Virtue Ethics The Idea that facing pain and death is a virtuous and necessary experience is widely opposed

12. A current Ethical Dilemma Euthanasia  Euthanasia is the practice of medically assisted death.

13. Euthanasia  Virtue theorists are against euthanasia.  Facing pain and death is a virtuous and necessary experience

14. Virtue Theorists are pro-life

15. Review Questions 1. How likely are you to take a virtuous perspective? 2. What are some examples of virtues?

16. Review Questions 3. Who influenced virtue theory?

17. ANY QUESTIONS ?

18. THE END