Virtue Ethics: Habits, Disposition & Excellence

• Virtue ethics focuses on virtue as the central concern
• Virtue is defined as a good habit, not a momentary choice
• A good habit is continuous and a stable disposition, coming from the person's volition
• Acting virtuously should feel natural and not forced
• Virtue is a continuous way of living, originating from within and reflecting a person's will
• A stable disposition means the person does not need external motivation
• Actions should radiate naturally, not for show or media content

Virtue vs. Publicity

• Actions done for virtue should not require media attention or public recognition
• Being consistent is key to observing virtue in oneself and others

Ideal of Excellence

• Aspiring to an ideal or model of excellence is important for personal improvement
• The goal is to become perfect by following a standard
• Exhibiting virtue involves good habits, disposition, and radiating naturally from one's will

The Problem with Manila Bay

• Cleaning Manila Bay as a publicity stunt is considered a joke
• Throwing garbage into the bay for photo opportunities defeats the purpose
• The DENR was surprised by the garbage dumping
• Cleaning Manila Bay requires infrastructure investment like sewer systems

Socrates and Virtue

• Socrates' life and death are viewed through the lens of virtue
• Socrates' execution was not immediate, as described in Plato's writings (e.g., Phaedo and Crito)
• Crito, Socrates' friend, offered to bribe the guards for his escape, but Socrates refused
• Socrates chose to face death, embodying his commitment to truth

Plato on Virtue and Truth

• Truth, as a virtue, has no dichotomy or separation; they are one
• Plato, a student of Socrates and a mathematician, viewed virtue through the world of forms and ideas
• Living out virtue means living out kindness because there's perfect kindness in the world of forms
• The challenge of Plato is the idea that individuals must continue to live out kindness, regardless of the actions of others
• Justice, goodness, and love are virtues to be lived out, looking towards the perfect examples
• Plato emphasized that one must look at a perfect example of justice, and that's the reason why an individual would want to become just every day

More on virtue

• People should not depend on others because there is always "perfect goodness"
• Though it may be hard, one must continue to be a virtuous person
• Patterning goodness to become a virtuous person is a reflection of Socrates
• Thinking, saying, and doing are the same

Agustin on Virtue

• Agustin connected to Plato has a concept of supernatural or God
• If goodness exists, there is a creator, and that goodness should be lived out

Aristotle on Virtue

• Aristotle's view on virtue is agent-centered
• Nicomachean Ethics is a core text
• Virtue requires continuous action to become an agent of virtue, building character
• Choice is essential

Virtue as a Habit

• Virtue is not just a choice; it is continuous
• A singular action becomes a habit through consistent practice
• Choice is the first step in creating virtue, but continuity is essential

Explore virtue ethics, focusing on virtue as a stable, internal good habit. Learn how virtuous actions should feel natural, stemming from genuine disposition. Understand the ideal of excellence and consistent behavior over publicity.