Virtue Ethics

“Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue.”
-Buddha

Virtue ethics are ethics, or moral principles, derived from a person’s character. In this theory, the goodness of a person comes from within. These ethics focus on the person performing the action rather than the action itself. Morality for a virtuous person comes naturally, it is not a followed duty, nor is it an act based off of a consequence. A virtuous person acts in a morally correct nature because they want to, not because they need to. In virtue ethics, a person practices good behavior simply because they are good.
What are virtues? Virtues are mannerisms of a person that influence the way in which they behave. Practicing virtues shows good moral character and leads us closer to the sacred. Different religions focus on different virtues, but all with the same goal in mind: good humanity. Some examples of virtues are:

• Compassion
  
• Courage
  
• Faith
  
• Fortitude
  
• Generosity
  
• Hope
  
• Justice
  
• Love
  
• Patience
  
• Prudence
  
• Temperance
  
• Wisdom
  

Who is virtuous? Examples of virtuous individuals can be seen throughout the history of religion. These are beings that show true benevolence throughout their entire lives. Their life’s mission is dedicated to the goodwill of those around them, simply because it is their heart’s desire. Some examples of well-known virtuous individuals are:

• Jesus Christ – Jesus devoted his life to helping and healing those in need, ultimately dying for the sins of humankind.
  
• Mother Teresa – Mother Teresa dedicated her life to aiding the poor and the sick, showing true compassion for those in need.
  
• Mahatma Gandhi – Gandhi spent his life striving to stop violence and attain peace between humans.
  

How does virtue ethics differ from other ethical standpoints? In her book, On Virtue Ethics,Moral Philosopher Rosalind Hursthouse gives a scenario of a person in need. She states that from a utilitarian approach, one would weigh the ways in which the consequences would be beneficial. She depicts the deontologist as helping because it is the morally sound decision to make. A virtuous person, she claims will simply help because it is charitable and benevolent.


Works Cited
Cafaro, Philip. “Virtue Ethics (Not Too) Simplified.” Boston University. Web. 8 Dec. 2014.
Harrison, Bob. “Virtue Ethics and the New Testament.” Philosophy Now 1998. Web. 9 Dec. 2014.
Hursthouse, Rosalind. On Virtue Ethics. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999. Print.
Livingston, James C. Anatomy of the Sacred: An Introduction to Religion (6^th Edition.) New Jersey: Prentice Hall Higher Education, 2008. Print.

Further Links
https://philosophynow.org/issues/21/Virtue_ethics_and_the_New_Testament
https://www.bu.edu/wcp/Papers/TEth/TEthCafa.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/introduction/virtue.shtml 

Photos From:
http://www.internetmonk.com/wp-content/uploads/virtues.jpg
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