Briefly Characterize Virtue Ethics

Briefly characterize virtue ethics. According to the theory, what is it that makes an action morally correct (or when is it that an action is morally correct)?

The textbook states that virtue ethics is, “a moral theory that focuses on the development of virtuous character” (43). When it comes to being morally correct the text states, “ to act morally, we must act from virtue, and acting from virtue means acting with the appropriate motives. It is not enough to do right; we must do right for the right motivating reasons” (44).

According to Mayo, what is the advantage of having saints and heroes?

According to the text the advantages of having saints and heroes is, “ heroes and saints are not merely people who

did things. They are people whom we are expected and expect ourselves to imitate. And imitating them means not merely doing what they did; it means being like them. The heroes and saints did not merely give us principles to live by (though some of them did that as well): they gave us examples to follow” (64).

Why does Mayo think more emphasis should be placed on virtues than on rules?
Mayo had a belief that it is more important to focus on virtues rather than rules because by focusing on virtues we will strive to become a more virtuous person. If a person focuses on following the rules or a rule then they lose focus of what they should be doing or not doing, because they know it is right or wrong, not because it is a rule.

Could a utilitarian consistently accommodate virtues into her moral theory? How?
No, when someone is practicing their virtues and putting them to use they may make a decision that is right with their virtues, but may have consequences where the bad outweighs the good. Therefore, this would go against utilitarian but this means one may have stayed true to their virtues.

Briefly characterize feminist ethics. According to the theory, what is it that makes an action morally correct (or when is it that an action is morally correct)?
The textbook states feminist ethics is, “an approach to morality aimed at advancing women’s interests and correcting injustices inflicted on women through social oppression and inequality.

It is defined by a distinctive focus on these issues, rather than by a set of doctrine or common ideology among feminists, many of whom many disagree on the nature of feminist ethics or on particular moral issues ” (46). For an action for to morally correct or incorrect social realities must be considered. The text states this, “ many feminists think that the familiar principles of Western ethics- autonomy, utility, freedom, equality, and so forth- are too broad and abstract to help us make moral judgements about specific persons who are enmeshed in concrete social situations” (46). Many feminists support the ethics of care theory which they often practice.

Briefly characterize the ethics of care. According to the theories, what is it that makes an action morally correct (or when is it that an action is morally correct)?

According to the text ethics of care is, “a distinctive moral perspective that arose out of feminist concerns and grew to challenge core elements of most other moral theories” (44). What makes an action morally correct in relation to ethics of care is, “unique demands of specific situations and to the virtues and feelings that are central to close personal relationships- empathy, compassion, love, sympathy, and fidelity. The heart of the moral life is feeling for and caring for those with whom you have a special, intimate connection”

(44-45).
How does Held’s view of ethics differ from Kant’s? Can they be reconciled?
Held’s view of ethics differs from Kant’s because of universality. Ethics of care does not relate to morality. Unlike the ethics of care, universal law deals with individuals who are more independent. While ethics of care has people who are dependent. The two likely will not reconcile because of their differing views on universality.

According to Held, the ethics of care calls into question certain aspects of the dominant moral theories. What aspects is she referring to?
Held has the belief that ethics of care raises questions about the dominant moral theories. An example Held uses is people who are self-sufficient; however, it does not discuss human dependency and emotion which is an example of an aspect Held refers to. Ethics of care rejects dominant moral theories stating, “the more abstract abstract the reasoning about a moral problem the better” (66).
What concept of a person does Held accept?
The textbook states, “the dominant theories can be interpreted as importing into moral theory a concept of the person developed primarily for liberal political and economic theory, seeing the person as a rational, autonomous agent, or a self-interested individual” (68).
Between virtue ethics, feminist ethics, and the ethics of care, which theory do you think is more correct? That is, which theory provides a better (or correct) account of what it is that makes an action morally right or wrong?
To me virtue ethics is more correct because we rely on what we learn, practice and apply as we know what it right or wrong from our virtues. We must instinctively know our virtues and how we use them or choose not to. We choose to do something because we know it is right, not because we are required or told to. I believe basing something off what we know is right or wrong and not basing it on emotions or other factors helps make it the strongest out of the three and more correct.