There are three major approaches in normative ethics and one of them is virtue ethics. The other two approaches are deontology and consequentialism. The difference between virtue ethics and the other two approaches is that it emphasizes virtues or moral character. Deontology on the other hand is more concerned on duties or roles while consequentialism stresses the outcomes or results of actions. The main focus of virtue ethics is whether the actions of a person is an expression of a good character or not.
Aristotle differentiates between intellectual and moral virtues. He defines moral virtue as the manner of acting which is dictated by reason and having to feel the suitable emotions and desires (Garrett, 2005). Aristotle states that moral virtues are those that people learn through habit and practice while intellectual virtues are those that people learn through instruction. He goes on further to say that moral virtues are not innate; rather, they are developed through frequent practice. Aristotle also defines moral virtues as the states of character which is the middle ground or the “mean” between two vices which is the excess and deficiency. To illustrate, generosity is the virtue which lies between stinginess, which is the deficiency and prodigality, which is the excess.
The intellectual virtues according Aristotle are the scientific knowledge, artistic or technical knowledge, intuitive reason, practical and philosophic wisdom (Scott, 2002). Aristotle defines scientific knowledge as those that are necessary and universal while technical knowledge is learning how to make things or how to develop a craft. In contrast, intuitive reason is the manner that establishes the first principles of knowledge while practical wisdom is the ability to take action that is in agreement with the good of humanity and philosophic wisdom is the blending of intuitive reason and scientific knowledge (Scott, 2002).
Some traits that Aristotle considers as moral virtues are courage, temperance, self-discipline, mildness, moderation, modesty, humility, generosity, friendliness, truthfulness, honesty and justice. Zagzebski’s meanwhile provides a list of traits which is usually regarded as intellectual virtues which includes the capacity to identify the important facts; attention to details; collecting and analyzing evidences without any biases; impartial in assessing the contentions of others; intellectual modesty and perseverance; conscientiousness; meticulousness, thoroughness, adaptability of intellect, virtues of thinking logically; recognizing dependable authority; insight into persons, problems and theories (Rice, Barry, & McDuffie-Dipman, 2012).
One thinks that the traits that are important in one’s personal relationships are the moral virtues. Moral virtues such as humility, generosity, truthfulness and self-discipline are important to have a harmonious relationship with other individuals. These virtues are character traits that are admirable. The intellectual virtues are also very relevant in forming pleasant relationships with other people. One’s intellectual virtues will dictate what is the proper way to act in certain events in one’s life. Phronesis or practical wisdom is necessary because it dictates what the proper behavior is at all times. In conclusion, one thinks that moral and intellectual virtues cannot exist without the other. Both these virtues are essential when dealing with other people. What is important is that each one should be morally responsible for his actions.
References
Garrett. (2005, November 28). Virtue ethics. Retrieved from people.wku.edu: http://people.wku.edu/jan.garrett/ethics/virtthry.htm
Hursthouse, R. (2012, March 8). Virtue ethics. Retrieved from plato.stanford.edu: http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/ethics-virtue/
Rice, S., Barry, A. L., & McDuffie-Dipman, M. (2012). Intellectual virtue: The contributions of Newberry Award Winning Books 2000-2010. Journal of Thought, 23-38.
Scott, A. (2002). Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics. Retrieved from angelfire.com: http://www.angelfire.com/md2/timewarp/ethics.html
SparkNotes LLC. (2013). Nichomachean ethics. Retrieved from sparknotes.com: http://www.sparknotes.com/philosophy/ethics/section6.rhtml
