Van Hooft (2014) asserted that virtues are dispositions, attitudes, or character traits that enable people to act in a manner that develops their potential. Virtues also enable people to pursue the ideals that they have adopted. Examples of virtue include compassion, courage, honesty, generosity, fidelity, fairness, and self-control. Virtues are developed through practice and learning.
On the other hand, universal principles are accepted behavior that forms the foundation of objectivity, justice, and civility in various cultures across the world. The presence of the universal principles ensures that there is human civilization whereas their absence creates a path for negativity that includes deceit, corruption, cultural decline, and injustices. Examples of universal principles include the principle of reason, principles of justice and natural rights, principles of nonmaleficence, among others.
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Virtues and universal principles have a unique way of connecting to each other. Universal principles require people to act with virtue. For example, the principle of nonmaleficence requires people not to harm others unnecessary. There, the principle requires people to act with kindness which is a virtue. It is also vital to note that when two or more virtues combine, they can make a universal principle that is acceptable to various cultures. When people depict obedience, equality, and peace, the universal principle formed is justice.
Virtue ethics has several advantages and disadvantages. Regarding the advantages, it highly regards the human emotions and responsibilities as vital. Other theories of ethics have failed in this sector as they regard the emotions as irrational and illogical which is dangerous. Secondly, it plays a critical role in ensuring that virtues are at the core of morality. Regarding the disadvantages, it does not give any answer as regards to the ethical dilemmas, and secondly, they have failed in distinguishing between what is wrong from what is right ( Van Hooft, 2014).
Reference
Van Hooft, S. (2014). Understanding virtue ethics . Routledge.
