Legal Definitions - virtue ethics

Virtue ethics is an ethical framework that emphasizes the character of the moral agent rather than the specific actions they take or the outcomes of those actions. Instead of asking "What should I do?" or "What will be the result of my actions?", virtue ethics asks "What kind of person should I be?" It focuses on developing good character traits, known as virtues (such as honesty, courage, compassion, and justice), which then guide an individual's choices and behaviors.

• Example 1: A Business Leader's Decision

  Imagine a CEO facing a challenging financial quarter where the company's profits are significantly down. A virtue ethics approach would prompt the CEO to consider what a truly responsible, just, and courageous leader would do. This might lead them to prioritize transparent communication with employees, explore cost-cutting measures that avoid layoffs, or even take a personal pay cut to protect jobs, rather than simply making decisions based solely on maximizing shareholder profit or minimizing immediate losses. The focus is on acting from a place of integrity and care for all stakeholders, reflecting the CEO's developed character.

• Example 2: A Student Finding a Lost Item

  Consider a student who finds a wallet full of cash in the school hallway. From a virtue ethics perspective, the student wouldn't primarily think about the rule against stealing or the potential punishment if caught (consequences). Instead, they would reflect on what an honest and responsible person would do. Their internal character, shaped by virtues like honesty and integrity, would compel them to turn the wallet in to the lost and found or directly to the owner, not out of fear or obligation, but because it aligns with the kind of person they strive to be.

• Example 3: A Doctor Delivering Difficult News

  A doctor needs to inform a patient about a serious, life-altering diagnosis. A virtue ethics approach would guide the doctor to consider what a compassionate, truthful, and respectful physician would do. This means not just delivering the facts (the act) or trying to minimize the patient's distress by withholding information (a consequence-focused approach), but communicating with empathy, patience, and a genuine concern for the patient's well-being. The doctor's actions are rooted in their professional virtues, ensuring the news is delivered in a way that upholds the patient's dignity and supports them through a difficult time.