Many virtue ethics theories are derived from Aristotle. He defined a virtuous person is one who has ideal character traits. These traits develop from natural internal tendencies but need to be nurtured. In opposition to consequentialism, the purpose of virtue ethics is not to identify universal principles that can be applied in any moral situation. Virtue ethics has evolved in three directions: agent-based theories, Eudemonism, and the ethics of care. Virtue Ethics is Aristotelian in nature with respect to the understanding of virtue and character. Character is a state of being, about having the correct inner state. It is also a "theory of action" because being virtuous includes being lead to respond likewise to the situation. If a person …show more content…
Virtue Ethics came about because of vexation with the concepts of obligation and duty and the role they play in morality. Stiff moral principles and their approach to various life situations lead to questions such as "what type of man should I be" or "how should I live"? Kantian Theory and Consequentialist Theory are agent-based and outcome-based, respectively and Virtue Ethics Theory is character-based. Virtue Ethics was developed to stand on its' own as opposed to simply criticizing Deontology and Consequentialism. An agent-based theory highlights that virtues are determined by discernment of traits viewed as admirable. The basis for virtues in Eudemonism is human flourishing, where flourishing is identified with a person executing his or her specific function well. Regarding people, Aristotle felt our specific function is reasoning, and that a life "worth living" is a life where we "reason" well. The ethics of care challenges the concept that ethics should concentrate on autonomy and justice. Its' position is that more feminine traits, like nurturing and caring, should be …show more content…
Aristotle's function argument which recognizes, "Every action aims at some good". It is believed that everything is, in itself, an end but it is also contributing to a larger end which is an even better or greater good. It is this larger end that is considered the greatest good (Eudaimonia). This is a means to fare and live well. Eudemonistic Virtue Ethics is antithetical in respect to rightness and virtue. Utilitarianism could accept the virtue of kindness because it would result in consequences that would result in maximum utility. This means virtue is justified its' the consequences. For the Eudaemonist, virtues are justified, simply because they are essential to Eudaimonia, which is a good thing on its' own