Out of the three categories of ethical theories, virtue ethics is the most sensible, in my opinion. Unlike consequentialist and deontological, which bases morality on the consequence of an action and the conduct itself, respectively, virtue theory is concerned with the intention behind an action. Rather than focusing on the action as an object of moral evaluation, the virtue ethical theory judges an individual by his character; analysis in virtue theory shifts from the ruled-based decision-making and the outcome of a deed to the ethics of an individual and human character. Virtue ethics formulate norms based on human traits and quality.
A person can be ascribed with various intangible characteristics, such as their abilities, intentions, and motivations. In virtue theory, these traits influence a person’s morality; they will determine how an individual will react in a morally problematic situation. According to Aristotle, every human action and conscious decision targets to achieve some form of good. The philosopher argues that the ultimate goal of human life is to achieve the highest good, which virtuous activities can attain. Virtue is a state of character required to attain happiness, with a virtuous individual gaining pleasure from acting virtuously. Therefore, in virtue ethical theory, provided the effort behind an action or the reason for doing an action is considered virtuous and helps the person to achieve the highest good, the action should be deemed a moral norm and ethical. For example, a person who steals to support his starving family can be considered virtuous. Since his actions were guided by good intentions, he would be deemed virtuous according to virtue ethics. Therefore, the ethical justification of action in virtue theory, rely on whether the effort behind an action represents qualities that contribute to the achievement of the ultimate goal in life- attaining the highest good.
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