VIRTUE ETHICS
• Is an approach to ethics that emphasizes an individual’s
character as the key element of ethical thinking, rather than rules
about the acts themselves. Or their consequences.
ARISTOTLE
Greek Aristoletes, (born 384 BCE, Stagira, Chalcidice, Greece – died 322, Chalcis, Euboea),
ancient Greek philosopher and scientist, one of the greatest intellectual figures of Western
history.
He was the author of philosophical and scientific system that became the framework and
vehicle for both Christian Scholasticism and medieval Islamic philosophy.
His writings in ethics and political theory as well as in metaphysics and the philosophy of
science continue to be studied, and his work remains a powerful
TELOS
Is a Greek work which means end, goal, termination, conclusion, final destiny
telos also became a technical term in Greek Philosophy to speak of the end, goal, or purpose
of life.
According to Aristotle and his counterparts, Human beings have a specific nature; and that
nature is such that they have certain aims and goals, such they more by nature toward a
specific telos.
In moral philosophy this is known as technological ethics, an ethics that argues for what we
should do based on what we are destined for.
The bible and Aristotle both held that human beings had some ultimate destiny.
According to Aristotle, the end of human life is blessing, fullness, well-being or the good life.
VIRUE AS A HABIT
Aristotle believed that virtue as habit requires as intentional choice when you begin.
The habit of virtue is not yet developed, but over time one becomes used to behaving
virtuously and after a while one acts virtuously without needing to use volition – it’s now part
of you and how you act.
Aristotle’s theory leaves a lot of question unanswered (some of those questions he addresses in
other places). Its doesn’t tell you which acts are virtuous or why, for example. As a guide to
practical action, however, conceiving of virtue as a habit is useful.
HAPPINESS
Happiness depends on ourselves.
Happiness is not pleasure, nor its virtue. It is the exercise of virtue.
Happiness is the perfection of human nature. Since man is a rational animal, human happiness
depends on the exercise of his reason.
According to Aristotle happiness that the function of man is to live a certain kind of life, and
this activity implies a rational principle, and the function of a good man is the good and noble
performance if these, and if any action is well performed it is performed is accord with the
appreciate excellence: if this case, then happiness turn out to be an activity of the soul in
accordance with virtue.
Happiness as the Ultimate Purpose of Human Existence
Everywhere we see people seeking pleasure, wealth, and a good reputation.
It is easy enough to see that we desire money, pleasure, and honor only because we believe
that these goods will make us happy.
The Pursuit of Happiness as the Exercise of Virtue.
Happiness is not pleasure, nor is it virtue. It is the exercise of virtue. Since man is a rational
animal, human happiness depends on the exercise of his reason. Happiness depends on
acquiring a moral character, where one displays the virtues of courage, generosity, justice,
friendship, and citizenship in one’s life.
