Weaknesses Of The Virtue Theory

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The final theory of morality that I will discuss is the virtue theory. The virtue theory is simply based on virtues and vices; virtues being good or desirable character traits and vices being bad or undesirable character traits. This theory focuses more on living a good life and striving to have good virtues rather than just focusing on actions alone. Virtue ethics also believes that is important to not only do the right thing, but to have the proper motives behind doing what is right. The greatest emphasis is placed on being a good person. Aristotle is the one who laid down the foundation for virtue-based ethical viewpoint. His theory is called nicomachean ethics and states that virtues are characteristics that allow people to live …show more content…

I feel as if this theory understands that people face different emotions and a multitude of other variables when making decisions whereas the other two theories seem to treat decision making as a scientific or mathematical problem. Making a decision in life requires much more than just going through a mental checklist to determine what the right thing to do is. The virtue theory does the best job in recognizing that morality is a complex matter which is why I find it be the strongest theory. I mentioned that the key weakness of the virtue theory is that a person can be displaying a virtuous quality but not acting morally. If I was to argue on the behalf of the theory I would make the point that if one is of high character they would not display their virtuous qualities in morally wrong acts. Another common objective to the virtue theory is: how does one determine what is a virtue and what is vice in a world of different cultures? I would argue that it is up to each individual to interpret what constitutes as a virtue or vice. There is never going to be a theory of morality that is universally accepted or without weakness but the virtue theory gives the best overall

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