DQ #7 given Friday. Write 1-2 pages on virtue ethics. (any subtopics in chapter 9 you can talk about) Due friday 3-7-03

*Virtue Ethics* (aristotle)
-defines ethics in the terms of a good person or character rather then right particular act or moral principal
-Alastair McIntyre, "After Virtue"
-Socrates->Plato->Aristotle->Alexander the Great
-The ideal person is the one with the ideal character traits (virtue=excellence) Disposition to act a certain way
-virtue is a mean between extremes
-one must have judgement through experience
-decisions can be circumstantial

*example*
-the experienced soldier will recognize the couragous thing to do
-doctrine of the Golden Mean (virtue is a mean)

*Aristotle*
-Aristotle based his theory on human nature. Human beings have a purpose/function. Fulfilling that purpose/function defines success.
success=eudaimonia(greek word which means success or florishing; some translate to mean happiness but that is a bad translation)
-virtue and character traits lead to eudaimonia

Humans-growth, reproduction, perception, movement, reason
Animals-growth, reproduction, perception, movement
Plants-growth, reproduction