The Meaning of Life
Chapter 16 of our textbook focuses on several different ethical theories. Ethics is the branch of philosophy that seeks to determine the 'best life' for human beings. There are two popular theories that seem to be at odds:
Utilitarianism (focuses on the consequences of an action, concerned with doing the most good for the most people)
Kantianism or deontology (focuses on intention, is non-consequentialist and follows the categorical imperative).
A third option is virtue ethics. This theory holds that ethics is about 'being' and not about 'doing'. In other words, the focus ought to be on character and virtue.
These three theories are not exhaustive - there are many more in ethics that we could reflect on. But, for this exercise please select one of the above theories and defend it as a 'best' option for human beings. Please state whether you think we do live under the rules of this theory now and why it would be beneficial as 'the' ethical theory for all of us to follow.
Your initial post should be between 250-300 words.
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I will be defending virtue ethics as the 'best' ethical theory for human beings. Virtue ethics places emphasis on character and virtue, asserting that ethics is about 'being' rather than 'doing'. This theory suggests that the ultimate goal is to cultivate virtuous qualities within oneself, such as honesty, compassion, fairness, and courage.
One of the strengths of virtue ethics is its focus on the development of individual character. By prioritizing personal growth, virtue ethics encourages individuals to become the best version of themselves. It promotes self-reflection and self-improvement, fostering a sense of self-awareness and personal responsibility. In this way, virtue ethics provides a holistic approach to ethics, considering not only the consequences of actions but also the intentions and motivations behind them.
Moreover, virtue ethics recognizes that ethical decisions are rarely clear-cut and do not always have clear answers. By prioritizing character over rule-following, it allows for more nuanced and context-dependent decision-making. This flexibility provides individuals with the ability to adapt to various situations and consider the unique circumstances they find themselves in. It acknowledges that morality is not a one-size-fits-all concept and encourages individuals to exercise practical wisdom in their ethical decision-making.
While it may be argued that virtue ethics is subjective and lacks a universal set of rules, I believe that its emphasis on character development and personal responsibility makes it a relevant and beneficial ethical theory for all of us to follow. In a society where people prioritize personal growth and strive to embody virtuous qualities, we can foster a culture of empathy, integrity, and compassion. This would lead to more harmonious relationships, a stronger sense of community, and individuals who are morally driven in their actions.
Currently, society may not fully adhere to the principles of virtue ethics. However, if more people adopted this theory as a guiding framework, I believe we would see positive transformations in both individual lives and the collective well-being. While it may not provide a clear set of rules or immediate solutions to ethical dilemmas, virtue ethics offers a comprehensive and morally rich framework for human beings to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives.
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