History of Virtue Ethics
Philosopher Martha Nussbaum briefly traces the history of virtue ethics, from Aristotle through Kant. She notes that the major theories of virtue have all included strong criticism of traditional social norms, and rejects the notion that virtue ethi...
Is Ethics Based on Character?: Character-based Ethics
Until recent decades modern ethics was dominated by two approaches that focus on action. The movement that focuses on character rather than action has come to be known as virtue ethics. Looking at ethics in terms of who you are and how your life is ...
Is Ethics Based on Character?: Importance of Character and Narrative in Virtue Ethics
Kantian and Utilitarian theories tend to isolate moral decisions in the present moment and separate them from personal histories. In contrast, virtue ethics emphasizes the long-term nature of basic ethical choices and the advantage of using a life-s...
Is Ethics Based on Character?: Using Virtue Ethics in Complex Situations
In contrast to utilitarianism and Kantianism, virtue ethics is helpful in making sound judgments in complex situations. The virtue at work here is what Aristotle calls phronesis-- practical intelligence or wisdom. You learn for yourself why it is im...
Moral Dilemmas...Can Ethics Help?: Moral Dilemmas...Can Ethics Help?
The parents and medical staff caring for a premature baby struggling for life are faced with the decision of whether or not to continue treatment. Philosopher Immanuel Kant, whose ideas have influenced modern medical ethics, would answer such a ques...
Aristotle and Ancient Ethics
Philosopher Martha Nussbaum explores Aristotelian and ancient ethics, explaining what she feels are some of the drawbacks to virtue ethics.
Virtue Ethics
Philosopher Martha Nussbaum explains what appeals to her about virtue ethics, as opposed to other ways of looking at moral choice. She mentions that it looks at human life as a whole, rather in terms of narrow moral parts. Professor Nussbaum also ap...
Is Ethics Based on Character?: Virtue Ethics and Modern Psychology
Virtue ethics parallels many features of modern psychology. One such characteristic is a high regard for emotion, considered to be in close alliance with reason. Virtue ethics recognizes how we become who we are through relationships with others. Th...
Feminist Ethics
Philosopher Martha Nussbaum discusses links between feminism and virtue ethics. She focuses on the idea espoused by some that feminist ethics should turn to virtue ethics in order to develop an ethics based on care and affiliation, and get away from...
Is Ethics Based on Character?: Criticisms and Concerns about Virtue Ethics
Virtue ethics is criticized for failing to provide clear rules for action that would help people facing crises. It is not a theory about what people ought to do, but an inquiry into the kind of person we ought to be. Another criticism is that virtue...