COMM 215 Chapter Notes - Chapter 8: Nicomachean Ethics, Virtue Ethics, Theological Virtues
Document Summary
Emphasis on character rather than action; it can provide direction for behavior. Virtue: a character trait that inclines us to act in a way that is morally desirable. Vice: a character trait or tendency that inclines to act in a way that is morally undesirable. Aristotle is an important figure in the virtue ethics tradition (nicomachean ethics) Traditional christianity and some christianity today is formulated in the terms of the ethics of virtue. (3 primary theological virtues: faith, hope, charity) Moral standard: an action is right if and only if it is what a virtuous person would do in the circumstances. Determine what is right based on what a person of exemplary character would do. Do i want to be a soldier? (courage and loyalty) Do i want to be a social worker? (empathy and care) A disposition (a character trait which manifests itself in a motivation to do certain sorts of things when the appropriate circumstance arises.
