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Virtue At Texas A & M University

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Recommended: An essay about virtue ethics

A virtue is a desirable characteristic rather than a universal law or rule that should ultimately lead to individual flourishment as well as the betterment of humanity. Incidentally, engineers can use virtues such as competence, honesty, and temperance in order to attain a state of responsible professionalism. This status essentially parallels some of the claims listed in the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) Engineering Code of Ethics such as the statement “an engineer, in the fulfillment of their professional duties, shall hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public” (NSPE, 2007). With an inherent desire to be virtuous, engineers can learn to better themselves in order to better society. In this paper, through Aristotle’s understanding of virtue ethics, I plan to demonstrate the virtues I have acquired during my time at Texas A&M University and the virtues specifically relevant to civil engineering. Happiness, or eudaimonia, according to Aristotle, is defined simply as human flourishing. The act of flourishing …show more content…

The multitude of assignments with their vast range of topics along with the many tests and projects I have completed has allowed me to adopt the moral virtues of competence and diligence. These virtues deal with the preparedness required to accept technical jobs and the level of detail necessary to complete said technical jobs respectively. In contrast, the main intellectual virtue I have acquired is integrity. Integrity is strictly monitored and is even incorporated in Texas A&M academics through the Aggie Code of Honor which states that an Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do. By obtaining and accepting the previously stated virtues as my own, I will be able to flourish indefinitely throughout my

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Unlike Utilitarian ethics, a consequentialist moral theory, or Kantian ethics, a moral theory based on the alignment of one’s will and one’s duty, Aristotle’s Virtues Ethics does not discuss morality of single actions but rather “what sort of person should one be? What does it mean to live a good life?” This is important for engineers to ask a similar question in their professional career, “What does it mean to be a good engineer?” because they impact society’s ability to innovate and progress technologically, while maintaining or increasing society’s quality of life. The effects engineers have has been discussed in class, including examples like the development of the lightbulb, radio, and concrete.

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Thus, when human function is done well, it is in accordance with virtue and best human life is achieved. In addition, it can be inferred that since Aristotle’s definition of happiness is to be virtuous, performing rational activity well can lead to happiness. In addition, Aristotle states, “if there are more than one virtue, in accordance with the best and most complete” (1098a18). This means that eventually there will be one virtue that is inclusive of all virtue and that displays an end, and this virtue will be in line with the self-sufficient and inclusive concept of happiness as the chief good. If this inclusive virtue and good is achieved, ultimate happiness will be achieved as well.

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