VIRTUE ETHICS

Virtue Ethics

Virtue Ethics

Introduction

In this paper we are going to look at virtue ethics. This may offer a more adequate ethical framework. Virtue theory is a very old concept (existing since the time of Aristotle, 384BC, at least) and there are a variety of theories that fall under the category of 'virtue theory'.

Virtue Ethics and business ethics

It is the last of the normative theories we will be looking at during the course (normative theories being those theories that aim to give us guidance on ethical behaviour). The virtue theory is a little different to the other major normative theories because it is not primarily concerned with ethical action/behaviour but with embodying the 'virtues' or an ethical character. Whereas the other normative theories attempt to answer the question of 'the right action' (or ethical behaviour), virtue theory is more concerned with answering the question of how to live a good business life, or how to be a good business person. Virtue theory aims to offer an account of the characteristics one must have to be considered 'virtuous' (Paine, 2003, 89-102).

It is important to understand what is meant by virtue - it is a slightly old-fashioned term. What virtue theorists are referring to when they talk about the virtues is certain traits or personal characteristics.

The Emergence of Modern Virtue Theory

Virtue theory re-emerged in 1958 with the publication of a paper entitled “Modern Moral Philosophy” by Elizabeth Anscombe. In the essay, Anscombe harshly criticised normative theories' pre-occupation with legalistic morality (emphasis on obligation and duty). The rigid and inflexible codes of ethical behaviour viewed as universally applicable laws that were entailed in utilitarianism and Kantianism were condemned as counterproductive (Rebecca, 2006, 39-62).

The most significant feature of Anscombe's Virtue theory was her call for a return to concepts such as ...