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  • Essay / Strengths and Weaknesses of Virtue Ethics

    This essay will focus on the strengths and weaknesses of virtue ethics, a theory that emphasizes developing virtues to become better people . While some argue that virtue ethics's weaknesses outweigh its strengths due to its difficulty of application, others argue that the theory's strengths outweigh its weaknesses. One of the strengths of virtue ethics is that it focuses on the character of the individual rather than the situation they find themselves in, which allows individuals to achieve eudaimonia. Additionally, the theory covers intentions and motivations. However, weaknesses in the theory, such as its subjective nature and lack of clear guidelines for decision-making, can make it difficult to apply in practice. Despite this, some still argue that the strengths of virtue ethics, including its emphasis on character and self-improvement, outweigh its weaknesses. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay First, one of the ways one can argue that weaknesses do not outweigh one's strengths is that virtue ethics is an agent-centered theory which means that the approach focuses on the individual rather than the situation. This is a strength because although an individual is held accountable for their actions, whether good or bad, the most important part is the moral development of the individual. Focusing on the development of an individual will have a great impact as it will allow them to learn from their mistakes while working on their virtues. These virtues are known as moral virtues: they are developed through practice and habit. For example, an individual should practice the virtue of kindness by doing kind things such as helping an elderly person or sharing. This strength of Virtue Ethics shows that strengths outweigh weaknesses because it is important to ensure that people realize the best of their potential in order to achieve their eudaimonia. Therefore, because it is a very important aspect of life in general, it must outweigh weaknesses simply because of its importance. Another strength of virtue ethics is that it helps achieve eudemonia. Eudaimonia is the ultimate goal of humans. Humans achieve eudaimonia by thriving and accomplishing as much as possible in their lives. Virtue ethics helps an individual achieve eudaimonia because of its encouragement to act virtuously and avoid vices. By practicing intellectual and moral virtues, humans gradually achieve their eudaimonia. This is important to the theory because it was put in place to help humans act in a way that will benefit them in achieving their eudaimonia. This overcomes the weaknesses of virtue ethics, because it helps humans want to become better people. Finally, another strength of virtue ethics that may argue against this claim is that the theory does not simply eliminate other moral theories. Instead of virtue ethics not completely involving other moral theories, it teaches it in a different way. For example, Christian ethics teaches humans not to kill or steal. Virtue ethics addresses this problem by teaching us to act wisely and justly. By practicing these virtues, it is very likely that individuals will not kill or steal. This is important because humans can integrate virtue ethics with other theories they may follow, making it easier for them to understand how to act morally. That..