The theory of virtue ethics puts prominence on mind and character
Linet Gonzales
To begin with, virtue ethics is a form of normative ethics. By definition, it is the movement that centers ethics on character rather than actions. In essence, the theory of virtue ethics puts prominence on mind and character. The significance of virtue ethics is that it enables an individual to reflect upon his life. The big question however is whether virtue ethics works.
Virtue ethics is practicable because all human functions are involved in a natural way. Unlike utilitarianism which only looks at the end goal, virtue ethics is all rounded (Elosegui, 2012). This means, the start point matters just as much as the end. With virtue ethics, the moral character of the person carrying out an action is under scrutiny thereby compelling them to do the right and responsible thing.
The downside of virtue ethics however, is that it is an incomplete theory. Unlike utilitarianism which provides sensible clear accounts regarding how something should end, virtue ethics reaches halfway. With virtue ethics, it is unclear whether it’s the end that justifies the means or whether the end does not matter at all. In a nut shell, the theory dwells so much on the question of character without linking it to the actions involved.
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