The Advantages of Virtue Ethics in Comparison to Previous System of Morality
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The Advantages of Virtue Ethics in Comparison to Previous System of Morality
Virtue ethics have benefits over the previous system of morality. This essay will discuss both the system of morality and virtue ethics, as well as, provide information about how virtue ethics have advantages over the morality system. The virtue theory has various components including the virtue statement, components of virtue and the explanation about how these quantities are good. This essay will also describe whether virtues are similar for everyone or different from one person to another and from one culture to another.
System of Morality
The system of morality has a fascinating and rich history. This subject can be approached through perspectives which will both repel and attract the reader at the same time ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"J6ttNSPj","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(\\uc0\\u8220{}The Elements of Moral Philosophy,\\uc0\\u8221{} n.d.)","plainCitation":"(“The Elements of Moral Philosophy,” n.d.)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":525,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/vDOrLj7p/items/MNLBGTRT"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/vDOrLj7p/items/MNLBGTRT"],"itemData":{"id":525,"type":"webpage","title":"The Elements of Moral Philosophy","URL":"https://www.mheducation.com/highered/product/elements-moral-philosophy-rachels-rachels/M9781259914256.html","accessed":{"date-parts":[["2019",12,3]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (“The Elements of Moral Philosophy,” n.d.). Although different scholars' theories conflict with one another which made it hard to understand the true meaning of the system of morality ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"m83G0TZb","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(\\uc0\\u8220{}Virtue Ethics and its Potential as the Leading Moral Theory\\uc0\\u8212{}JournalQuest,\\uc0\\u8221{} n.d.)","plainCitation":"(“Virtue Ethics and its Potential as the Leading Moral Theory—JournalQuest,” n.d.)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":523,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/vDOrLj7p/items/3EFQ6G3A"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/vDOrLj7p/items/3EFQ6G3A"],"itemData":{"id":523,"type":"webpage","title":"Virtue Ethics and its Potential as the Leading Moral Theory - JournalQuest","URL":"http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1385/virtue-ethics-and-moral-theory","accessed":{"date-parts":[["2019",12,3]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} ("Virtue Ethics and it's Potential as the Leading Moral Theory—JournalQuest," n.d.). The moral philosophy is based on the attempt to acquire a systematic understanding of morality nature ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"JIOKPeGV","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(\\uc0\\u8220{}What is a Moral System? | Danney Ursery,\\uc0\\u8221{} n.d.)","plainCitation":"(“What is a Moral System? | Danney Ursery,” n.d.)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":527,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/vDOrLj7p/items/TQ2HRQ2C"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/vDOrLj7p/items/TQ2HRQ2C"],"itemData":{"id":527,"type":"webpage","title":"What is a Moral System? | Danney Ursery","URL":"http://sites.stedwards.edu/ursery/class-resources/what-is-a-moral-system/","accessed":{"date-parts":[["2019",12,3]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (“What is a Moral System? | Danney Ursery,” n.d.).
Being the moral agents, it is the duty of everyone that they should be concerned about others' welfare which can be affected by them. It is noticed that thousands of children around the globe die every year because they failed to acquire significant vaccination ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"nST4CxxY","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(\\uc0\\u8220{}James Rachels: What Would a Satisfactory Moral Theory Be Like?,\\uc0\\u8221{} n.d.)","plainCitation":"(“James Rachels: What Would a Satisfactory Moral Theory Be Like?,” n.d.)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":535,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/vDOrLj7p/items/JQGVARUG"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/vDOrLj7p/items/JQGVARUG"],"itemData":{"id":535,"type":"webpage","title":"James Rachels: What Would a Satisfactory Moral Theory Be Like?","URL":"https://www.csus.edu/indiv/m/merlinos/berachels.html","accessed":{"date-parts":[["2019",12,3]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (“James Rachels: What Would a Satisfactory Moral Theory Be Like?,” n.d.). The citizens of wealthier nations can reduce this number but they usually don’t. The moral community is not limited to place but also of time. It is the main obligation of the system of morality to consider the interests of every person equally ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"BLHb0Rd7","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(\\uc0\\u8220{}James Rachels: What Would a Satisfactory Moral Theory Be Like?,\\uc0\\u8221{} n.d.)","plainCitation":"(“James Rachels: What Would a Satisfactory Moral Theory Be Like?,” n.d.)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":535,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/vDOrLj7p/items/JQGVARUG"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/vDOrLj7p/items/JQGVARUG"],"itemData":{"id":535,"type":"webpage","title":"James Rachels: What Would a Satisfactory Moral Theory Be Like?","URL":"https://www.csus.edu/indiv/m/merlinos/berachels.html","accessed":{"date-parts":[["2019",12,3]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (“James Rachels: What Would a Satisfactory Moral Theory Be Like?,” n.d.). But this theory is less effective in the case of two employees hired at the same time in the organization one worked harder than the other, but if both are treated equally for promotion this will be not fair according to the circumstances.
Virtue Ethics Theory
The moral theory of virtue ethics emphasized the individual character's role in evaluating the rightness of the action. It is considered as the main moral theory and usually contrasted with obligation and duty that emphasized on obeying moral rules ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"z1gMXsKj","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(\\uc0\\u8220{}Virtue Ethics and its Potential as the Leading Moral Theory\\uc0\\u8212{}JournalQuest,\\uc0\\u8221{} n.d.)","plainCitation":"(“Virtue Ethics and its Potential as the Leading Moral Theory—JournalQuest,” n.d.)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":523,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/vDOrLj7p/items/3EFQ6G3A"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/vDOrLj7p/items/3EFQ6G3A"],"itemData":{"id":523,"type":"webpage","title":"Virtue Ethics and its Potential as the Leading Moral Theory - JournalQuest","URL":"http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1385/virtue-ethics-and-moral-theory","accessed":{"date-parts":[["2019",12,3]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (“Virtue Ethics and its Potential as the Leading Moral Theory—JournalQuest,” n.d.). The virtue ethics is based on accounts of wrong and right deeds, based on the ‘virtuous agent’. It identifies the actions as right or wrong based on the circumstances of the virtuous agent. Virtue is the character trait that is valued positively in the person.
According to Aristotle, “virtue is a trait of character manifested in habitual action.” The ‘habitual’ word is significant as the person who speaks truth occasionally, is different from the person who is honest and truthful in his or her actions. In this case, honesty is the unchangeable and firm characteristic.
Virtues Features
Generally, each distinctive feature of virtue has its characteristics. Following, are the four example of virtues:
Courage
Aristotle said that courage is the mean character between two extremes which are foolhardiness and cowardliness. Courage is also regarded as military virtue as it is the fundamental requirement for soldiers. Courage is also required in creating an unpleasant situation such as when making apologies. Courage is also required for doing something good such as working as a volunteer. Although, in some of the cases, courage is unproblematic but in unusual circumstances it develops troublesome conditions. For example the case of 9/11 in which 19 hijackers killed about 3,000 people ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"P6jrHraT","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(\\uc0\\u8220{}The Elements of Moral Philosophy,\\uc0\\u8221{} n.d.)","plainCitation":"(“The Elements of Moral Philosophy,” n.d.)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":525,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/vDOrLj7p/items/MNLBGTRT"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/vDOrLj7p/items/MNLBGTRT"],"itemData":{"id":525,"type":"webpage","title":"The Elements of Moral Philosophy","URL":"https://www.mheducation.com/highered/product/elements-moral-philosophy-rachels-rachels/M9781259914256.html","accessed":{"date-parts":[["2019",12,3]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (“The Elements of Moral Philosophy,” n.d.).
Generosity
It is the willingness to pay to others. A person can be generous with particular resources for example, with their time, money and knowledge. According to Aristotle, generosity is similar to courage, as it is the mean between two extremes that are extravagance and stringiness. One person gives too much, while the other person gives very little. According to Jesus, it is wrong that riches possess all the things while the poor starve ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"X4t5szYa","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(\\uc0\\u8220{}The Elements of Moral Philosophy,\\uc0\\u8221{} n.d.)","plainCitation":"(“The Elements of Moral Philosophy,” n.d.)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":525,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/vDOrLj7p/items/MNLBGTRT"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/vDOrLj7p/items/MNLBGTRT"],"itemData":{"id":525,"type":"webpage","title":"The Elements of Moral Philosophy","URL":"https://www.mheducation.com/highered/product/elements-moral-philosophy-rachels-rachels/M9781259914256.html","accessed":{"date-parts":[["2019",12,3]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (“The Elements of Moral Philosophy,” n.d.). One might find the teachings of Jesus too demanding and would reject it. Although the generosity virtue is not prevailing in our lives, which are too luxurious. The generosity interpretation is required in our lives, as it should not be extravagant.
Honesty
The honest person is the one who never deceives or lies, except for a few compelling reasons. But it must be remembered that honesty is not the only thing that would be valued. There is some cases in which the honest person might sometimes deceive or lie with justifications.
Loyalty to Family and Friends
Friendship is the most important component of a good life. According to Aristotle, "No one would choose to live without friends, even if he had all other goods ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"PaQmCu7E","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(\\uc0\\u8220{}Ethics\\uc0\\u8212{}Materials,\\uc0\\u8221{} n.d.)","plainCitation":"(“Ethics—Materials,” n.d.)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":531,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/vDOrLj7p/items/YJSUJZ9D"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/vDOrLj7p/items/YJSUJZ9D"],"itemData":{"id":531,"type":"webpage","title":"Ethics - Materials","URL":"http://ethicsintroduction.weebly.com/","accessed":{"date-parts":[["2019",12,3]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (“Ethics—Materials,” n.d.)." Friendship is more than material assistance; our self-esteem is also mostly based on our friends’ assurance. If a person needs friends, it is required that he or she must possess friendship qualities. These are also some limits between friends but most of the time, friends are the only people who tell you the hard truth about yourselves. But people accept criticism of friends as they are not rejecting us. We are usually closer to the family as compared to friends so, we might show more loyalty towards family members.
So, virtues are the characteristic traits that are required for people. Courage is considered a good characteristic as it is required to handle difficult circumstances. Generosity is another effective trait as several people require help ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"6UaRlixI","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(\\uc0\\u8220{}Virtue Ethics and its Potential as the Leading Moral Theory\\uc0\\u8212{}JournalQuest,\\uc0\\u8221{} n.d.)","plainCitation":"(“Virtue Ethics and its Potential as the Leading Moral Theory—JournalQuest,” n.d.)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":523,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/vDOrLj7p/items/3EFQ6G3A"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/vDOrLj7p/items/3EFQ6G3A"],"itemData":{"id":523,"type":"webpage","title":"Virtue Ethics and its Potential as the Leading Moral Theory - JournalQuest","URL":"http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1385/virtue-ethics-and-moral-theory","accessed":{"date-parts":[["2019",12,3]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (“Virtue Ethics and its Potential as the Leading Moral Theory—JournalQuest,” n.d.). Honesty is also required as its absence can cause critical effects in all ways. Loyalty is also a significant trait with friends and family standing side by side to each other when nobody is present ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"1kJ7tM1x","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(\\uc0\\u8220{}Ethics\\uc0\\u8212{}Materials,\\uc0\\u8221{} n.d.)","plainCitation":"(“Ethics—Materials,” n.d.)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":531,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/vDOrLj7p/items/YJSUJZ9D"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/vDOrLj7p/items/YJSUJZ9D"],"itemData":{"id":531,"type":"webpage","title":"Ethics - Materials","URL":"http://ethicsintroduction.weebly.com/","accessed":{"date-parts":[["2019",12,3]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (“Ethics—Materials,” n.d.).
Furthermore, it is also noticed that virtues differ from one society to the other, as well as, differ from one person to another. As people differ in personality with one another and have different characteristic qualities which help them in developing different virtues. But in particular circumstances, everyone requires similar fundamental requirements. Courage is required for everyone as no one can avoid the difficult circumstances, as well as, everyone who needs courage in tackling a particular issue ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"C2fikxr6","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(\\uc0\\u8220{}Ethics\\uc0\\u8212{}Materials,\\uc0\\u8221{} n.d.)","plainCitation":"(“Ethics—Materials,” n.d.)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":531,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/vDOrLj7p/items/YJSUJZ9D"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/vDOrLj7p/items/YJSUJZ9D"],"itemData":{"id":531,"type":"webpage","title":"Ethics - Materials","URL":"http://ethicsintroduction.weebly.com/","accessed":{"date-parts":[["2019",12,3]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (“Ethics—Materials,” n.d.). It is also universal that every society has people who are dealing with worse situations so, generosity will always give advantages to them. The other trait of virtue which is also commonly required is honesty as there is no society which can exist when they don’t have a dependable and trustable communication. It is the common nature of humans that they require loyalty from friends and family.
Virtue Ethics Advantages
There are two major advantages of virtue ethics:
Moral Motivation
The reason virtue ethics seems attractive is that they give moral motivation in an attractive and natural account. For example, a person in the hospital is recovered from a long illness, this person gets delighted when someone comes to visit him as there visit helps him, psychologically. But if we ask that person how much he enjoyed meeting with that hospitalized person and he would reply that he is only performing his duty. This might seem awkward to some, but it is the actual truth. For that, we need a theory that is focused on personal qualities such as friendship, love, loyalty, generosity, and honesty.
Immorality Ideals Doubts
The moral philosophy modern theme is based on impartiality which means that everyone is morally equal. The moral theory which is based on virtues, although can be easily accounted such as loyalty, provide partiality for friends and loved ones. The impartiality requirement gives an idea to the extent of how such virtues are interconnected with each other.
Conclusion
Virtue ethics is considered as the recurring idea that is regarded as 'practical wisdom'. Through practical wisdom, we understand that virtues can be learned through organizing life which is same as learning new skills. In contrast to the system of morality, the virtue ethics are referred to as the ethics 'non-codifiability’ As in this dilemma and situation, the right and effective solutions, depend on simple ideas such as universalizability and the better for more numbers. So, the virtue ethics advantages are not reprimanded legally or make anything disadvantageous, although the benefit is safety. The advantages of virtues are feeling better in the long run, as well as, other people naturally respecting you more. It is getting a higher amount of generic benefits and virtue in return. The secondary benefits include inner peace and calmness. As the person who has virtuous ethics knows that he/she is doing right, thus there is no shame and guilt linked with it . Although, virtue ethics is considered as incomplete as it does not help us while dealing with the moral conflict cases, the theory of virtue ethics tells us that we should be kind in such situations in which we don’t understand what to do.
References
ADDIN ZOTERO_BIBL {"uncited":[],"omitted":[],"custom":[]} CSL_BIBLIOGRAPHY Ethics—Materials. (n.d.). Retrieved December 3, 2019, from http://ethicsintroduction.weebly.com/
James Rachels: What Would a Satisfactory Moral Theory Be Like? (n.d.). Retrieved December 3, 2019, from https://www.csus.edu/indiv/m/merlinos/berachels.html
The Elements of Moral Philosophy. (n.d.). Retrieved December 3, 2019, from https://www.mheducation.com/highered/product/elements-moral-philosophy-rachels-rachels/M9781259914256.html
Virtue Ethics and its Potential as the Leading Moral Theory—JournalQuest. (n.d.). Retrieved December 3, 2019, from http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1385/virtue-ethics-and-moral-theory
What is a Moral System? | Danney Ursery. (n.d.). Retrieved December 3, 2019, from http://sites.stedwards.edu/ursery/class-resources/what-is-a-moral-system/
