Course : Greek Philosophy and Applied Ethics

Summary

Aristotle’s virtue ethics is a moral philosophy that emphasizes character and the development of virtues as the key to ethical living. Unlike rule-based ethics, Aristotle argues that morality is about cultivating good habits that lead to human flourishing (eudaimonia). He identifies virtues as traits that lie between extremes of deficiency and excess, a concept known as the "Golden Mean." For example, courage is a balance between recklessness and cowardice. Virtue is developed through practice and guided by reason, with the phronimos (a practically wise person) serving as a model. The significance of Aristotle’s virtue ethics lies in its focus on moral character rather than rigid rules, influencing modern fields like ethics, psychology, and leadership. It provides a flexible, context-dependent approach to morality, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and social harmony. Virtue ethics remains relevant today, shaping discussions on moral education and ethical decision-making in various domains.

Suggested readings

• Hursthouse, Rosalind, and Glen Pettigrove, "Virtue Ethics," The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2023 Edition), eds. Edward N. Zalta and Uri Nodelman, https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2023/entries/ethics-virtue/.
• John Bowin, "Aristotle's Virtue Ethics," in A Companion to World Literature, ed. Ken Seigneurie (John Wiley & Sons, 2020).

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