ECS 3361

Social Issues & Ethics in

Computer Science and
Engineering
Virtue Ethics

J. C. Wilt, P.E. 1
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2.10 Virtue Ethics

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Critique of Enlightenment Theories
 Kantianism, utilitarianism, social contract theory ignore
important moral considerations
◦ moral education
◦ moral wisdom
◦ family and social relationships
◦ role of emotions
 Virtue ethics
◦ arete, virtue, excellence: reaching highest potential
◦ Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics (4th century BC)
◦ What is the good life, and how can I go about living it?

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Virtues and Vices
 Virtue Ethics is a broad term for theories
◦ Emphasize the role of character and virtue in moral philosophy
◦ Rather than either doing one’s duty or acting in order to bring about good
consequences
◦ A virtue ethicist is likely to give you this kind of moral advice: “Act as a
virtuous person would act in your situation.”

 Two types of virtue

◦ intellectual virtues: virtues associated with reasoning and truth
◦ moral virtues: virtues of character (e.g., honesty)
 Moral virtues
◦ developed by habitually performing right action
◦ deep-seated character traits
◦ disposition to act in a certain way and feel in a certain way 1-4
Aristotle: Happiness derives ECS 3361

from living a life of virtue.

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Examples?
 Single virtues like?

 Group Virtues?

J. C. Wilt, P.E. 6
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Examples
 Boy Scouts: Scout Oath & Law
◦ Do your duty; Help other people; self-physically fit, mentally
awake, & morally straight
◦ Trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind,
obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, reverent
 Roman Catholic
◦ 7 Cardinal Virtues: Chastity, Temperance, Charity, Diligence,
Patience, Kindness, Humility
◦ 7 Deadly Sins: Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, Pride
 Samurai:
◦ Frugality, Loyalty, Martial Arts Mastery, Honor

J. C. Wilt, P.E. 7
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Summary of Virtue Ethics

A right action is an action that a virtuous

person, acting in character, would do in
the same circumstances.

A virtuous person is a person who

possesses and lives out the virtues.

The virtues are those character traits

human beings needs in order to flourish
and be truly happy.

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Vices
 Vices are opposite of virtues
 Vice: a character trait that prevents a human being from

flourishing or being truly happy

 Often, a virtue situated between two vices

◦ Courage between cowardliness and rashness

◦ Generosity between stinginess and prodigality

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Case for Virtue Ethics
 It often makes more sense to focus on virtues than obligations,
rights, or consequences
 Personal relationships can be morally relevant to decision making
 Our moral decision-making skills develop over time
 With this theory there are no irresolvable moral dilemmas
 Emotions play an important role in living a moral life

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Case Against Virtue Ethics
 Reasonable people may disagree on character traits needed
for human flourishing
 Cannot use virtue ethics to guide government policy
 Virtue ethics undermines attempts to hold people

responsible for their bad actions

 Despite weaknesses, virtue ethics a workable theory

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What would a Virtuous Person do?

J. C. Wilt, P.E. 12