Virtue Ethics | Ethics Defined

Summary

Virtue ethics is a moral philosophy associated with Aristotle and other ancient Greek thinkers. It focuses on developing good character and living a morally worthwhile life.

Virtues such as honesty, courage, justice, and generosity are developed through practice. Repeatedly acting virtuously helps form habits that shape a person’s character. Aristotle’s view is that cultivating virtuous habits makes people more likely to choose well when they face ethical challenges.

The video contrasts virtue ethics with two other approaches using The Dark Knight:

• Utilitarianism might support Batman killing the Joker because doing so could save many lives.
• Deontology would reject the act because killing is wrong.
• Virtue ethics asks what kind of person Batman would become by killing his enemy—and whether the action fits the character he wants to have.

Virtue ethics offers guidance about becoming a virtuous person, but it does not provide a specific rule for resolving every ethical dilemma.

Speakers and Sources Featured

• Narrator — Explains virtue ethics and compares it with other ethical theories.
• Aristotle — Cited for the idea that virtuous habits help guide choices.
• Ethicists Mark White and Robert Arp — Referenced in connection with the Dark Knight example.
• The Dark Knight — The film used to illustrate the different approaches to Batman’s dilemma.