Virtue Ethics Quiz

Virtue Ethics

• The golden mean in virtue ethics refers to finding the balance between extremes of character traits.
• Virtue ethics focuses on cultivating virtuous character traits, which are developed through practice and habit.
• Moral virtues in virtue ethics are not inborn traits, but rather acquired through practice and habit.

Key Concepts

• Virtue ethics emphasizes the development of virtuous character traits, rather than following strict moral rules or maximizing pleasure.
• The central focus of virtue ethics is on the character of the person performing the action, rather than the consequences of the action.

Kantian Ethics

• The central concept in Kantian ethics is duty.
• Moral actions in Kantian ethics are those performed out of a sense of duty, rather than self-interest or desire for good consequences.
• Kant's categorical imperative is summarized as "Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law."

Historical Context

• Aristotle is the ancient philosopher most closely associated with the development of virtue ethics.

Understanding Virtue Ethics

• Virtue ethics emphasizes the cultivation of virtuous character traits, rather than the pursuit of happiness or wealth.
• The primary focus of moral evaluation in virtue ethics is the character of the person performing the action, rather than the consequences of the action.
• The four cardinal virtues in virtue ethics are Justice, Courage, Temperance, and Prudence.

Human Dignity

• Human dignity is the recognition of each person's inherent worth and value.
• Recognizing human dignity is an important aspect of ethical considerations, as it guides morally upright behavior.

Utilitarianism

• The central principle of Utilitarianism is that actions are morally right if they maximize happiness or pleasure and minimize suffering or pain.
• A strength of Utilitarianism is that it provides a clear and objective standard for moral decision-making.