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Ethical Theory Of Well-Being Essay

1819 Words8 Pages

ABSTRACT
In the philosophical world as well as in discussions of public policy, happiness is sometimes recognized with well-being. More often, however, happiness is seen as a long-term emotional state of fulfillment, and well-being. This paper is divided into two parts. First I outline and describe the objective list theory of well-being “Virtue Ethics”. I then go on to look at the motivations for holding such a view before turning to objections to this theory.
INTRODUCTION
Well-being concerns with what is good for or benefits individuals, what is in their self-interest and makes life go well for them. In practice, people use this concept to evaluate their lives, make plans for their futures, and decide how to help others. Well-being also figures in most moral theories as something to be safeguarded and promoted. The goal of this introduction is to provide an accurate explanation of the objective list theory of well-being “Virtue Ethics” along with its associated concepts while providing an analysis of its strengths against competing theories and objections. Also, to demonstrate how Aristotle 's view …show more content…

Virtue ethics seems to be essentially interested in the acquisition of the virtues as part of the agent 's own well-being and flourishing. Morality requires us to consider others for their own sake and not because they may benefit us. However I believe that Virtues allow people to perform his or her function excellently; when people perform his or her function excellently, people reach eudaimonia. Since eudaimonia is the greatest good, reaching it makes one a good person. This both benefits people and makes them good. Hursthouse emphasizes that this approach is not in conflict with self-interest. Instead, the virtues are constitutive of a good life. They help people lead the best life and become the best they can

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