VIRTUE ETHICS

1. We should emphasize RIGHT BEING rather than the RIGHT ACTS.

2. There is such an infinitude of acts such that we cannot develop

absolute and universal rules. Instead we should work on developing
our CHARACTER which, in turn, will help us determine what to do.

3. Virtue ethics is not a substitute for ethics of right action, but a

complement to them.

4. The actions of virtuous people stem from a respect and concern for
the well-being of themselves and others.

5. Virtue is developed in community, in our interactions with each other.

6. Compassion, courage, generosity, loyalty, and honesty are all

examples of virtues.

7. According to Aristotle and Confucius, a good social policy is one that

encourages the development of virtue among people.

8. For Aristotle, there are two types of virtues: (1) intellectual virtues and
(2) moral virtues. Intellectual virtues are cultivated through (1) growth
and experience and (2) Moral virtues are acquired by habit.

9. For Aristotle, most virtues require finding the mean between two
extremes.

Deficit (Vice) Mean (Virtue) Excess (Vice)

Cowardice Courage Foolhardiness
Inhibition Temperance Overindulgence
Unambitiousness Proper pride Ambitiousness
Miserliness Liberality/Generosity Extravagance
Surliness Friendliness Flattery
Shamelessness Modesty Shame

People who recognize their strengths and limitations and who are capable
of reacting to the right degree, at the right time, toward the right person,
and for the right reason are virtuous.