Understanding Virtue Ethics

Understanding Movements in Modern Thought

by Stan van Hooft

More and more philosophers have advocated varieties of virtue-based ethics that challenge moral theory traditionally founded on moral obligation and the delineation of what is right or wrong in given situations. Virtue ethics, which focuses upon the character of moral agents more than on the moral status of their actions or the consequences of those actions, has become one of the most important and stimulating areas of contemporary ethical theory. "Understanding Virtue Ethics" is an accessible and lively introduction to the subject. It provides a broad overview of the history of virtue ethics from Aristotle to Nietzsche as well as examining the ideas of such contemporary writers as Ricoeur and Levinas. Major themes dealt with by moral theory are examined and how a virtue ethics approach to them differs from those of other traditions is explored. Practical problems of moral complexity such as abortion, euthanasia, and integrity in politics, and how they might be approached from a virtue perspective are considered. The charges of relativism and egoism that are often mounted against virtue ethics are rebutted and virtues that are especially relevant to contemporary life, namely, courage, taking responsibility, and reverence are examined in depth. Finally, the author argues that virtue ethics is highly relevant to our understanding of the moral dimensions of professional roles.

Genres: Philosophy

190 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Alberto Tebaldi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good digression about morality and ethics, but it's fundamentally a theoretical work a bit detached from how actually things work in real life.

[among · Rating 5 out of 5]

zaddy hooft

[Lysergius · Rating 4 out of 5]

An increasing number of philosophers advocate varieties of virtue-based ethics that challenge moral theory traditionally based on moral obligation and the prescription of what is right or wrong in given situations. Virtue ethics, which has become one of the most important and stimulating areas of contemporary ethical theory, focuses upon the character of moral agents rather than on the moral status of their actions, or the consequences of those actions.

Understanding Virtue Ethics is a well written and lively introduction to the subject. The author provides a broad overview of the history of virtue ethics from Aristotle to Nietzsche, as well as examining the ideas of such contemporary writers as Ricoeur and Levinas.

The major themes dealt with by moral theory are examined and how a virtue ethics approach to them differs from those of other traditions is explored. Practical problems of moral complexity such as abortion, euthanasia, and integrity in politics, and how they might be approached from a virtue perspective are considered. The charges of relativism and egoism that are often mounted against virtue ethics are rebutted and virtues that are especially relevant to contemporary life, namely, courage, taking responsibility, and reverence are examined in depth.

The author argues that virtue ethics is also highly relevant to our understanding of the moral dimensions of professional roles citing examples.