LESSON III: VIRTUE ETHICS

VIRTUE ETHICS- a moral philosophy that teaches that an action that is a virtuous
person would perform in the same situations. Its emphasis on developing good
habits of character and avoiding bad character traits or vices.
Virtue Ethics is a perspective in ethics that focuses on the character of individuals
as the most significant element in making moral decisions.
The uniqueness in the individual’s character is emphasized when a moral choice is
made rather than the rules concerning the acts themselves (deontology) or the
possible consequences (consequentialism) that may arise from the act. Two
influential philosophers, Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas based their principles
on the significance of virtues in moral dispositions.
To Aristotle, ethics is in the inquiry into the human good. This good is eudaimonia
or happiness.
He believes that the ultimate human goal is self-realization.
Ethics for Aristotle is the inquiry into the human good. This is to say the purpose
of studying ethics is to make ourselves good, though Aristotle assumes that we
already want to become good. This human good is eudaimonia or happiness.
He observed that wise persons seek an end that is self-sufficient, final and
attainable over one’s life. This end is happiness which all human beings want. He
also considers happiness as the summum bonum- the greatest good of all human
life.
Virtue refers to an excellence of moral or intellectual character.
According to Aristotle there are two kinds of virtues:
Virtues of Intellect- rational part of the soul.
Moral virtues- expression of character formed by habits reflecting repeated
choices. It is the golden mean between two desirable extremes.
Aristotle’s Four Basic Moral Virtues
1. Courage
The true meaning of courage is not the absence of fear but rather the
ability to overcome fear when we want something bad enough.
An example of courage is the ability to stand up to a bully.
2. Temperance
Temperance in its modern use is defined as moderation or voluntary
self-restraint.
An example of temperance is when you refrain from drinking any
alcohol.
3. Justice
 the quality of being just; righteousness, equitableness, or moral
rightness: to uphold the justice of a cause. rightfulness or lawfulness,
as of a claim or title; justness of ground or reason: to complain with
justice. the moral principle determining just conduct.
An example of justice is someone being set free from prison after
dna evidence shows they are innocent.

4. Prudence
is the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason. is
classically considered to be a virtue, and in particular one of the four
Cardinal virtues.
Example of Prudence
An Prudence is defined as the act of being careful, often with money.
An example of prudence is checking your bank account before you
spend money.
THOMAS AQUINAS ETHICS
Thomas Aquinas is an Italian philosopher and theologian. He believes that all
actions are directed towards ends and that happiness is final end. True happiness
is then found only in the souls of the blessed heaven or in beatitude with God.
THE NATURAL LAW
FOUR PRIMARY TYPES OF LAW
1. Eternal Law- rational plan of God by which all creation is ordered.
Aquinas means God's rational purpose and plan for all things.
And because the Eternal Law is part of God's mind then it has always, and
will always, exist.
The Eternal Law is not simply something that God decided at some point to
write.
For example, we naturally know that we should drive safely so that we do
not endanger one another, and we will normally obey that natural
inclination. That natural inclination is an example of natural law and comes
from the eternal law, or God's will for our wellbeing.
2. Natural Law- aspect of the eternal law which is accessible to human
reason.
• is a theory in ethics and philosophy that says that human
beings possess intrinsic values that govern our reasoning
and behavior.
 • maintains that these rules of right and wrong are
inherent in people and are not created by society or court
judges.
The Seven Laws of Nature
The Law of Attraction and Vibration: Like attracts like, people attract energy like
the energy they project.
1. The Law of Polarity: ...
2. The Law of Rhythm: ...
3. The Law of Relativity: ...
4. The Law of Cause and Effect: ...
5. The Law of Gender and Gestation: ...
6. The Law of Perpetual Transmutation of Energy:
What is an example of natural law?
Even if their deaths would ensure the survival of the 22 other passengers,
the act of murder is against our human nature. Natural law forbids killing
the injured passengers under any circumstances. A law against murder is a
just law under the natural law theory. You are a doctor at a busy hospital.
3. Human Law- refers to positive laws. This human law includes civil
and criminal laws.
Man-made law is law that is made by humans, usually considered in
opposition to concepts like natural law or divine law. ... In the view
dominant in the modern period, man-made law is thought of as
primary because it is man-made.
Some examples of human rights include: The right to life. The right to
liberty and freedom. The right to the pursuit of happiness.
4. Divine Law- It is a law of revelation disclosed through the Scriptures.
Divine law comprises anybody of law that is perceived as deriving
from a transcendent source, such as the will of God or gods - in
contrast to man-made law or to secular law. ... Opponents to the
application of divine law typically deny that it is purely divine and
point out human influences in the law.
Example of Divine law
What are man and woman if not members of two very different and
warring tribes Yet decade after decade, century after century, they
attempt in marriage to reconcile and forge a union.
The type of law that is primarily significant with Ethics is Natural Law.