Virtue ethics is primarily informed by three central concepts that can be considered its core dimensions: virtue, practical wisdom, and eudaimonia.
Virtue ethics is a philosophical approach to morality that emphasizes character, or the virtues that one embodies, rather than rules or consequences. Its framework is built upon a few key ideas, which together define its scope and focus. According to the reference, "Virtue ethics is informed by three central concepts: virtue, practical wisdom and eudaimonia... and these are woven into this discussion (Wikipedia Encyclopedia, 2008a)."
Let's explore these dimensions:
1. Virtue (Arete)
At the heart of virtue ethics is the concept of virtue, often translated as excellence or character trait. Virtues are dispositions to act in a morally good way. They are not just habits but deeply ingrained aspects of a person's character that shape their actions and feelings.
Aristotle, a foundational figure in virtue ethics, distinguished between different types of virtues:
- Moral Virtues: These relate to character and involve finding the "golden mean" between two extremes (e.g., courage as the mean between cowardice and recklessness). Examples include honesty, generosity, and justice.
- Intellectual Virtues: These relate to the mind and involve excellence in thinking and understanding (e.g., scientific knowledge, intuition, practical wisdom).
(Aristotle, 350 BC, as cited in the reference)
Developing virtues is seen as crucial for living a good life.
2. Practical Wisdom (Phronesis)
Practical wisdom is the intellectual virtue that enables individuals to discern the appropriate course of action in a given situation. It's the ability to deliberate well about what is good and beneficial for living a good life, not just in general, but in specific circumstances.
Practical wisdom is essential because possessing virtues is not enough; one must also know how to apply them correctly in complex situations. It involves understanding the context, evaluating options, and choosing the action that aligns with virtuous character. It's the bridge between possessing virtues and acting virtuously.
3. Eudaimonia
Eudaimonia is often translated as 'flourishing,' 'living well,' or 'the good life.' It is considered the ultimate goal in virtue ethics. Eudaimonia is not merely subjective happiness or pleasure, but a state of living a life of excellence and fulfilling one's potential as a human being.
Achieving eudaimonia is seen as the result of consistently acting in accordance with virtue and practical wisdom throughout one's life. It is a holistic state of well-being and fulfillment that comes from developing a virtuous character and exercising practical reason.
Summary of Dimensions
These three concepts are interlinked and form the core structure of virtue ethics.
| Dimension | Description | Role in Virtue Ethics |
|---|---|---|
| Virtue | Excellent character traits or dispositions (e.g., courage, justice, honesty). | Foundation of moral character; shape actions and feelings. |
| Practical Wisdom | Ability to discern the right course of action in specific situations. | Guides the application of virtues; necessary for virtuous action. |
| Eudaimonia | Flourishing or living the good life; the ultimate aim. | The goal achieved by living virtuously and wisely. |
In essence, virtue ethics explores how cultivating virtues through practical wisdom leads to human flourishing (eudaimonia). The distinction between moral and intellectual virtues further refines the understanding of what constitutes a virtuous character and the capacities required for living well.
