Virtue ethics

Abstract

Virtue ethics is currently one of three major approaches in normativeethics. It may, initially, be identified as the one that emphasizesthe virtues, or moral character, in contrast to the approach thatemphasizes duties or rules (deontology) or that emphasizes theconsequences of actions (consequentialism). Suppose it is obvious thatsomeone in need should be helped. A utilitarian will point to the factthat the consequences of doing so will maximize well-being, adeontologist to the fact that, in doing so the agent will be acting inaccordance with a moral rule such as “Do unto others as youwould be done by” and a virtue ethicist to the fact that helpingthe person would be charitable or benevolent.