Virtue ethics
I can explain the development of virtue ethics and reflect on its usefulness.
Virtue ethics
I can explain the development of virtue ethics and reflect on its usefulness.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Aristotle's virtue ethics focuses on achieving eudaimonia through the development of moral character.
- A virtue is the golden mean, which means a balance between two extremes of deficiency and excess known as vices.
- Philippa Foot is a modern thinker who emphasises that virtues are gained through practical experience.
- One criticism of virtue ethics is that it does not provide clear guidance in specific situations.
Keywords
Eudaimonia - the state of living well and flourishing
Golden mean - the virtue that lies between two vices, which are the extremes of deficiency and excess
Philippa Foot - a British philosopher who developed virtue ethics in the 20th century
Vice - a bad quality that becomes a habit
Virtue - a good quality that becomes a habit
Common misconception
Virtue ethics is just about being nice or kind, so it doesn't require much thought or effort.
Virtue ethics is about developing a well-rounded character through reflection and experience, not just being kind, and requires practising virtues like courage and honesty to achieve flourishing (eudaimonia).
Equipment
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the state of living well and flourishing
a good quality that becomes a habit
a bad quality that becomes a habit
the virtue that lies between two vices: deficiency & excess extremes