Virtue ethics is agent-centred ethics rather than act-centred; it asks ‘What sort of person ought I to be?’ rather than ‘How ought I to act?’ The Aristotelian approach shows to give an account of the structure of morality and explained that the point of enrolling in ethics is to become good: ‘For we are enquiring not in order to know what virtue is but in order to become good since otherwise our enquiry would be of no use.’ (Nichomachean Ethics, Book 1, ch. 2) Quite importantly, Aristotle’s distinguishes between things which are good as means (for the sake of something else) and things which are good as ends (for their own sake only), Aristotle seeks for one final and overriding end of human action, one final good – eudaimonia (or final happiness). Philosophers of the 20th century brought about a revival of virtue ethics as many were concerned with the act-centered ethical theories. Virtue ethics is able to do something very different to other ethical theories – rather than focus on the act of a person, virtue ethics will focus on the person itself. The modern development of virtue ethics is often linked back to a paper by G. E. M. Anscombe entitled ‘Modern Moral Philosophy’.
Perhaps more so than Emotivists, Prescriptivists see ethical language as fairly meaningful. They believe that the terms used are able to create absolute rules that everyone ought to follow. It would seem that ethical language is seen by many as very meaningful, although for varying reasons. However agent centred theories such as Virtue Ethics would argue that our main focus of morality should be on becoming as virtuous as possible, rather than deciding what is meant by ethical language. Therefore it would seem that perhaps morality should be more focussed on individuals’ actions rather then defining what is meant by ‘good’ and
Personality and moral self explain how and why human beings make free choices. The libertarianism theory has been explained by CA Campbell, who said that human beings see themselves as free agents and therefore accept moral responsibility for their actions. Humans must accept responsibility for these actions and face any consequences that may come their way. John Stuart Mill - an influencal figure in Liberatarianism – believe we are free and morally responsible for all our actions. Mill believed it was extremely important that an indivduals free will should not be crushed by society.
I Definition This section will provide definitions of ethical theories, such as Deontology, Egoism, Utilitarianism, and Virtue Theory. Deontology (Kantianism) theory stipulates that people must decide for themselves what is rational. Personal desires outside of one’s principles are thought of as outside forces with the potential to thwart rationality. One who acts as a Kantian must be completely unwavering of these principles. Egoism is the ethical theory that people are largely consumed with their own self-interests, and all acts are pursued primarily out of self-interest and personal desires.
To use the limited to pursue the unlimited is simply foolish. While Confucius argued that the only way to achieve a successful and meaningful life was to learn as much as possible in order to find the way, namely by studying everything around you. This is the biggest difference between the two philosophies. Confucius believed that above all else; emphasizing personal and governmental morality and correctness of social relationships, justice, and sincerity is the most important aspect of life. Chuang Tzu believed that how we perceive things are directly related to each of our separate pasts, or our “paths”.
By being independent individuals we don’t have to wait on other peoples support or permission to do certain things. We don’t have to go out of our way to please somebody else because we do as we want. When we are independent our confidence meter starts to rise up, it gives us that extra boost of motivation we desire to achieve new things. I believe that we are the creators of our own life, that we all have the same power to start and finish new goals but only a few have the actual strength and correct mind set to do it. Equality 7-2521 says that “the guiding star is within me” and that it points to just one direction, and that direction is “me”.
Alex Sale Ms. Mittleman 11/18/09 To Live Free From Society Or Die A Conformist Transcendentalism began when some philosophers started challenging the state of culture and society. Transcendental ideas are the keys to a better future. One must rely on his/her own self, in essence self-reliance, and from the reliance of the self comes self-assertion, and putting yourself out into the world. Transcendentalists believed that one should not rely on anyone else but his/herself, and that one should be free in his/her thoughts. The most important aspect of the transcendental self is the concept that one should free itself from society’s boundaries.
Natural Moral Law is a theory that is explained by Thomas Aquinas and Aristotle. It states that there is a natural order to our world that should be followed. It was originated in the philosophy of Aristotle and then developed by Aquinas. Natural Law is an absolute theory of ethics but it is not rooted in duty but in our human nature and our search for genuine happiness and fulfilment. Aquinas considered that by using our reason to reflect on our human nature we could discover our specific end purpose.
Ayn Rand’s Anthem I do not agree or disagree with Rand’s doctrine of ethical egoism. I believe that we should live in a society that is a combination of both, ethical egoism and ethical altruism. In my opinion Rand’s doctrine of ethical egoism seems to be self-centered, but on the other hand the doctrine of ethical altruism is not all that appealing in my eyes. If I have to work, I would rather work to benefit myself, and to fit my interests. At the same to time I think it right to help the less fortunate and to recognize every person as they are, a human being.
law describes, theory explains * What is the difference between a scientific theory and a scientific hypothesis? theory is well tested, hypothesis is an educated guess * How are scientific theories, laws, and hypotheses similar? they all start with a hypothesis, kind of a step by step analysis * Why is evidence important in science? to support or refute a hypothesis * What happens if scientists discover new evidence that contradicts an accepted scientific hypothesis, theory, or law? it leads to modification of scientific